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Executive Function Coaching

Support for children with co-morbid learning disabilities and weaknesses in executive function or ADHD

The purpose of executive function coaching is to help young children develop and strengthen the cognitive processes that enable them to plan, organize, and execute tasks effectively.

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Executive function coaching involves a variety of tailored strategies and activities designed to enhance your child's cognitive skills. Below is A First Foundation's process and common topics covered in sessions.

 

Step 1: Needs Assessment. This initial assessment, which involves executive function questionnaires and a parent interview, helps to pinpoint your child’s unique challenges and strengths, allowing for a personalized approach to coaching.

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Step 2: Collaborative Goal Development. Dr. T. will work with you and your child to set specific, achievable goals with consideration of the needs identified in the assessment. For instance, a goal might be to complete homework within a certain timeframe or to use a visual schedule for daily tasks.

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Step 3. Executive Function Sessions. Dr. T. will work with your child to achieve their goals through games, role plays, stories, and hands-on activities that are designed for children with language-based learning challenges. For instance, playing a game like “Simon Says” can enhance listening skills and self-control. Learning strategies for managing emotions, such as deep breathing, taking breaks, or using calming techniques when feeling overwhelmed are also a large part of coaching. Self-monitoring skills such as asking questions like, “What worked well?” or “What could you do differently next time?” and self-advocacy skills so they can express needs and preferences in the classroom, are also taught explicitly.

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Step 4. Reward System Implementation (optional). A reward system can be a useful tool for behavior change. Dr. T. and your child will determine tangible and non-tangible motivations to help guide behaviors.

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Step 5. Parental Involvement/Skill Transfer to Home. Dr. T. will provide parents with strategies to reinforce executive function skills at home. This might include tips such as setting up a conducive homework environment or engaging in family discussions that require planning and decision-making. Other tips might include strategies for handling big emotions, how to handle homework struggles, or how to create routines that ease cognitive overload.

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Step 6. Ongoing Assessment Towards Goals. Dr. T. will schedule regular check-ins to review progress towards goals and adjust strategies as needed. This may look like a brief discussion with your child to celebrate successes and address any new challenges, or include formal assessment at key intervals throughout coaching.

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Child at Psychologist
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