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Executive Function

The document discusses the importance of executive function (EF) as a self-management system that aids in task initiation, planning, time management, and adaptability. It highlights the role of occupational therapists and applied behavior analysis in supporting EF skills both in and out of the classroom, emphasizing strategies like visual schedules and structured environments. The document advocates for understanding EF challenges as neurological rather than behavioral, encouraging compassionate support for individuals facing these difficulties.

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oppiamalia10
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21 views10 pages

Executive Function

The document discusses the importance of executive function (EF) as a self-management system that aids in task initiation, planning, time management, and adaptability. It highlights the role of occupational therapists and applied behavior analysis in supporting EF skills both in and out of the classroom, emphasizing strategies like visual schedules and structured environments. The document advocates for understanding EF challenges as neurological rather than behavioral, encouraging compassionate support for individuals facing these difficulties.

Uploaded by

oppiamalia10
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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www.mahadridi.

com

Executive
Function Isn’t
Just for
Homework
Why predictability and planning matter beyond the classroom

Maha Dridi
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Maha Dridi
Soltani
www.mahadridi.com Maha Dridi
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

What Is Executive
Function?
Executive Function = The brain’s self-management
system
It helps us:
🧠 Start tasks
🗓️ Plan steps
⏰ Manage time
💭 Remember what to do
🔁 Shift when plans change
It’s not about intelligence it’s about organization and
regulation.

Maha Dridi
Soltani
www.mahadridi.com Maha Dridi
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Beyond School Where


Executive Function
Shows Up
Everyday activities require EF skills:
→ Getting dressed in order
→ Making choices without overwhelm
→ Packing a bag for therapy
→ Transitioning between settings
→ Following morning/evening routines
When these are hard, we see “avoidance,” “meltdowns,”
or “disorganization.”

Maha Dridi
Soltani
www.mahadridi.com Maha Dridi
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

OT’s Role in Executive


Function Support
Occupational Therapists help by:
🛠️
Teaching sequencing with routines
📊Creating visual systems (schedules, checklists)
🧩Supporting task breakdown
🔄Building flexible thinking through play
We make invisible thinking visible.

Maha Dridi
Soltani
www.mahadridi.com Maha Dridi
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

ABA’s Role in Executive


Function
ABA support includes:
🔁 Prompting and fading task steps
🎯 Reinforcement for initiation and completion
🧠 Teaching waiting, shifting, and planning as specific skills
📉 Minimizing overload with structured environments

Maha Dridi
Soltani
www.mahadridi.com Maha Dridi
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Psychology and
Emotional Regulation
EF struggles also affect:
😫 Frustration tolerance
😟 Anxiety during unstructured times
📉 Low confidence when plans fail
🧠 Mental fatigue from decision-making
Psychologists help build emotional regulation,
cognitive flexibility, and resilience.

Maha Dridi
Soltani
www.mahadridi.com Maha Dridi
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

In the Classroom
and at Home
Teachers and families can help by:
📌 Building in predictability
📆 Posting routines visually
🧸 Allowing safe flexibility
📥 Giving choices with structure
📉 Reducing verbal overload with cues

Maha Dridi
Soltani
www.mahadridi.com Maha Dridi
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Strategies That Make


a Difference
✅ Visual schedules
✅ Task boards
✅ Timers for transitions
✅ “First-Then” support
✅ Breaks and movement
✅ Folders, baskets, or zones for tasks
When environments are predictable, executive
function has space to grow.

Maha Dridi
Soltani
www.mahadridi.com Maha Dridi
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Support the Process,


Not Just the Outcome
When we say “just do it,” we forget how much brainpower
doing takes.
Executive function challenges aren't laziness, oppositional
behavior, or bad habits.
They’re neurological.
Let’s scaffold with compassion and strategy not pressure.
📥 Download and share this guide with parents, teachers,
and your multidisciplinary team.

Maha Dridi
Soltani
Occupational Therapist
Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT)

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