Flexible and Focused: Teaching Executive Function Skills to Individuals with Autism and Attention Disorders

by Adel C. Najdowski

Flexible and Teaching Executive Function Skills to Individuals with Autism and Attention Disorders is a manual written for individuals who work with learners who struggle with executive function deficits. The manual takes the perspective that executive function skills can be improved through effective intervention, just like any other skills. This how-to manual provides practical strategies for teaching learners to be focused, organized, flexible, and able to effectively manage themselves. Ready-to-use lessons, data sheets, worksheets, and other tools for practitioners, educators, and parents are provided to help them tackle common problems associated with executive function deficits in learners of any diagnosis, ages 5 to adult. The principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), which form the foundation of this manual, are translated into simple, easy-to-use procedures. Lessons for improving executive function skills in real-life everyday situations are provided in the following



Self-awareness Inhibition and impulse control Self-management Attention Organization Problem solving Time management Planning Working memory Emotional self-regulation Flexibility Provides an overview of what constitutes executive function skills Outlines how techniques based on applied behavior analysis can be used to teach skills Presents step-by-step lessons for practitioners, educators, and parents to implement with individuals with executive function deficits Includes data sheets, task analyses, worksheets, and visual aids

Genres: Adhd, Nonfiction

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2016

Reviews

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a practical guide designed for - those struggling with disorders of executive functioning, or for those who have family members who so struggle to organize their personal and professional lives coherently, that their organizational habits - or lack thereof- can be deemed as a malady . I expect executive functioning is one of those things that exist on a very large scale/gradient. Most of us have issues to some degree in getting our bodies to follow a set and predefined sequence of steps in an appropriate period of time. Otherwise the literature of motivational videos, self help books and related media would not be so popular: of course though, we struggle to varying degrees. There are those that struggle to exercise, or eat well, and then there are those that simply can’t get places on time, respond to emails, do their school work, or even hold down a job.

This books approach is that these issues are manageable and need not mean an absolute state of destitute for the victim or such a pathological state of disorderly conduct. Its takes a behavioral approach to as an intervention. This meaning as contrasted to the classical pharmaceutical approach in where stimulants such Adderall and Ritalin are advised. The book is abound with lists, worksheets, and other pre constructed for templates for getting one’s issues under control.

It is designed clearly for a practitioner /parent who wishes to help their client/child, but it can be understood , and read by pretty much all people interested or in need of some guidance with these issues.

[Danielle Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The worksheets, lesson plans, and actual information presented in this book are really helpful, and I can see myself using them with clients. However, as an autistic person, I know too many people who've been deeply harmed by behaviorism and ABA. I encourage neurotypical professionals and technicians to PLEASE do their research and talk to real autistic people before engaging in reinforcers.

[Veronica Sirbu · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great practical tool. All the exercises and information is “common sense”, however it is well organised and transformed in tracking sheetsand checklists. Very good for professionals who just entered the field.
It is designed to be abled with children with special needs who are high functioning and older.

[Valeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great intro and practical tool related to executive functioning and the deficits in this area associated with an ASD diagnosis. My only complaint about this book is that it is short. I wish it had more information and breaking down of skills, particularly examples for kids with more or fewer challenges.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information but the book is filled with charts that would have been great to be shared in digital format.