How to get things done and what you need to know about "Executive Function"

“You need these skills to get things done -
at home, at school and at work.”

This post is inspired by Ptach director Dr. Judah Weller. (Scroll down to see my presentation, videos and resources.)
I had the privilege to kick-off the school year for the city-wide staff of Ptach, in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Weller asked me to present the topic of “The Language of Executive Function.”
The result was magnificent launch to the school year. Along the way, in the “research and preparation stage,” I discovered valuable insights and practical tips for the staff.

I also was surprised how much I found to help myself understand my work processes (and my own mishegas). Then, after the presentation was over, my inbox was filled with feedback from the exceptionally experienced and sophisticated staff of Ptach. They told me how much the workshop helped them understand and help their students - and also how relevant it was for them, in their own lives!

EXECUTIVE FUNCTION (EF) MATTERS

These skills enable us to organize, plan, and execute tasks on daily life.

Think about it - executive functioning skills are required for life. Whether we’re in school, at work or at home - you need these skills to get things done.

  • organizing your stuff - and your time…

  • planning a long-term project…

  • juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities - even as more get added on the go…

  • setting goals and readjusting work-life balance…

  • scheduling your days and weeks…

  • making sure you fit-in (and show-up for) meetings, travel, self-care, leisure, food prep, social life and exercise…

  • getting to work, picking up milk on the way home and remembering to call the doctor between 11-11:15.

13 IMPORTANT SKILLS OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTION

Tim Urban knows that procrastination doesn't make sense, but he's never been able to shake his habit of waiting until the last minute to get things done. In this hilarious and insightful talk, Urban takes us on a journey through YouTube binges, Wikipedia rabbit holes and bouts of staring out the window -- and encourages us to think harder about what we're really procrastinating on, before we run out of time.

  • Response Inhibition

  • Memory

  • Working Memory

  • Emotional Control

  • Sustained Attention

  • Task Initiation

  • Planning/Prioritization

  • Organization

  • Time Management

  • Goal‐directed persistence

  • Flexibility

  • Metacognition

  • Stress Tolerance

RESOURCES

  • Smart But Scattered by Peg Dawson

    This book has been adapted with several different versions, for kids, teens and adults as well as a clinical guide. You can also access much of the material in these free downloads.

  • Understood.org

    This website is full of amazing infographics, videos and worksheets to create checklists, calendars and advocacy for parents, teachers and working with kids. Click here for free executive function materials.

  • Our Workshop Slides

    See my presentation below, loaded with videos, infographics and more free resources.

Resources, VideoUri SchneiderSpeech Therapy, Adults, Teens, Parents, School-age, SLP