Executive Function from a Multi-Level View

We’re circling back to a hot topic—Executive Function. This multi-layered set of skills is impacted by many building blocks of development, and challenges can present in a myriad of ways. As a continuation of our six-part series with Teresa Nair, in this episode you will hear about:

• Descriptions of Executive Function from multiple perspectives
• Nature and nurture contributions
• The integrative and developmental pathways of executive function which includes:
  • Physical/sensory
  • Emotional
  • Experiential
  • Relational
• How do challenges with executive function show up in daily life? Children, teens, or people in general may exhibit difficulties with:
  • Perspective-taking
  • “Compliance”
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Disorganization
  • Inflexible thinking
  • Difficulty delaying gratification
  • “Bossy” behavior
  • And more!
• What do parents do if they think their child has challenges with executive function?
  •  First, know yourself as the parent. Then consider initial steps…
    • Start with research OR
    • Start looking for professional support by…
      •  Talking with your pediatrician or another trusted professional you have a relationship with. 
      • Asking your community, your friends. You’re not alone in this!
  • Be open to new ways of thinking such as:
    • “How do we connect the skills of where our child shines (e.g., video games) to the skills we desire our children to develop (e.g., cleaning their room)?
    • Identify areas where our kids are struggling and name it was a skill they have not mastered yet rather than a fault of theirs.

**Resources**

• Dr. Ross Green’s “Kids to Well If They Can” 
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvzQQDfAL-Q
• Related Episode from Edge of the Nest: “Praxis” 
  • https://www.buzzsprout.com/1905380/episodes/12118331 
• Related Episode: “Understanding Executive Function (Praxis Part 2): 
  • https://www.buzzsprout.com/1905380/12118331
• Triune Brain Model: 
  • https://self-reg.ca/the-triune-brain/ 
• Pomodora Method: 
  • https://www.todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique
  • https://www.asundergrad.pitt.edu/study-lab/study-skills-tools-resources/pomodoro-technique

***Contact Us***

• Cassie Wilcox (www.thewishingwellot.com) 
• Erica Scheifflee (https://feedingconsciousrelationships.com/)
• Teresa Nair (Title: Education Advisor and Speaker ; Email: teresa@reel2e.org ; Social: LinkedIn Profile )

****Music credits****

Uppbeat (free for Creators!); https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/clear-sky; License code: GQGN7ICA9D8IDOUT