Executive Functioning Superpowers: Inclusive Strategies That Embrace Neurodiversity at Home and in the Classroom

A self-sufficient, independent life can still be in your child's future, no matter how much they struggle today.Remember how exciting it was seeing your child reach their developmental milestones?Whether taking their first steps or saying their first words, when you see them gradually start to do things by themselves, you cannot help but feel immense pride and look forward to what they'll do next. But what happens when they don't do what you expect of them? What do you do when they have difficulty completing tasks, fail to follow instructions, or are easily distracted? While it's normal for young kids to experience problems like these, when they start to lag behind their peers, there's cause for concern. The ability to follow instructions, solve problems, and follow through on tasks is related to a child's executive function. Executive functioning skills are essential to learning and getting things done. These are key skills that everyone needs to function in the world. Executive dysfunction is associated with many neurodivergent conditions, such as ADHD, autism, tourette's syndrome, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. An estimated 15 to 20 percent of the world population is considered neurodiverse. If your child has problems with executive function, the impact on learning, relationships, and their future can be worrying. Thankfully, these issues are something your child can overcome, and whether you're their parent or their teacher, you can help them do just that.In this guide, you'll find strategies and tools to improve their executive functioning skills to help them live their lives with less stress and increased independence.In Executive Functioning Superpowers, you will discover:The vital skills children and teenagers need to succeed in their daily lives and how to recognize any skills deficit.How to give instructions that they can easily follow–and will want to follow.The best way to support children to develop their skills in emotional regulation, increased focus, and organization.Methods to help children achieve their goals.The association between executive dysfunction and many neurodivergent conditions.Practical accommodations that will significantly help neurodiverse learners at home and in the classroom.How to prepare and support children for the transition stage of moving school.Fun games, activities, apps, and resources that combine learning and the development of executive functioning skills to engage even the most reluctant learner.And much more. No matter how much you try to do everything right, raising a child who is good at everything is impossible. There will be things your child will excel at, and areas in which they will struggle. It's not your fault or your child's fault–it's just a situation you need to address. Think of your child's executive functioning issues as an opportunity to demonstrate strength and resilience. It's through their struggles and their efforts in overcoming them that your child will truly come into their own. You want your child to have a bright future, so start with building the skills they need to succeed. Read more