Dr. Allison Kawa, a clinical psychologist and Director at the Los Angeles Center for Integrated Assessment, talks about understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the variety of challenges faced by different genders in terms of coping and diagnosis. She covers the common ways that ASD presents itself in males vs. females, and why dangerous misdiagnoses so often occur. Her broad areas of expertise include learning and processing differences, attention disorders, autism, and anxiety or mood issues.
In this episode, Jessica Patching-Bunch, stress resilience coach, shares tips and techniques on managing stress, achieving a higher level of wellness, and creating a better life for yourself and those you care about. Her approach targets the whole being, and she discusses using the brain, body, and breath to navigate stress, anxiety, and depression.
Courtney Harris, a pediatric occupational therapy specialist, discusses the signs and affects of various sensory processing disorders including self-regulation, attention, organization, impulse control, motor delays, and social skills. She shares her thoughts and insights on how to support those who are faced with these challenges to improve their quality of life, and help them surmount the issues they deal with on a daily basis.
In this episode of the Autism Resource Podcast Gilda’s guest is Sean McCormick of EF Specialists. Sean stresses the importance of understanding executive function skills. He talks about what it is, some common misconceptions, and useful tools for dealing with the challenges people with executive function issues often face. Plus, Sean underscores how proper support can enhance the quality of life on many levels for those who struggle in this area.
What are executive function skills? Sean explains that executive function is the processes that people use to engage in goal oriented behavior. If you have a goal like you want to earn an A in a class, first you have to use a lot of different mental and physical tools to be able to reach that goal. That might include communicating effectively with your teacher. Then, being able to physically type up emails. You then might need to use a calendar or some type of time management system to plan out your timelines. It can also include being able to estimate how long it’s going to take to complete an assignment.
What Kinds of Executive Function Challenges Could You Face?
Undoubtedly, you’re likley needing to use these kinds of skills for simple day to day tasks. For example: if you’re going to the grocery store, you’re making a list, you’re checking for the weather to see if you need a raincoat or whatever it may be. You’re constantly using your executive functions to make decisions and meet your goals. \
Some people are incredible with executive function. They can plan 10 years in advance. They can plot out all their different goals and build incredible things. And some people really struggle with executive function. Maybe they just weren’t born with great working memory. So they have to externalize all their reminder systems.
How to Support Students with Executive Function Challenges
Of course, the best way to help someone with executive function challenged is to talk them through the process. It’s not just about showing what what people with good executive function skills do. It’s about demontrating to someone with exectuive function challenges. Then most importantly having them do it themselves. That way they experience what it’s like to actually do a process. This can include anything from setting reminders on a phone or putting in calendar entries. and even setting alarms.
Avlyn Kotton, MA and BCET, shares her insights about the various learning differences, early detection, assistive technology and strategies to help students overcome the educational challenges they might be dealing with. She discusses warning signs to look out for, as well as resources that can assist a student to get the most out of their education.
Claudia Wenger, BCBA, has supported the special needs community for over 25 years. In this episode, she shares her extensive knowledge about preparing for a successful transition from life in high school, to secondary education and beyond. She gives us greats tips about how to handle communication with the school, the right questions to ask, and the pitfalls to avoid.
Arlene Bell has the unique perspective of being a special education attorney, special education teacher, and parent of a person with special needs. She discusses the importance of knowing when to engage the legal services of an expert and shares important information that every parent needs to know about their child’s rights and how to get them the services and education that they are entitled to.
Dr. Jamie Barstein discusses the importance of addressing this often challenging and uncomfortable topic with our youth, and offers guidance and resources on best practices and approaches for creating a safe, non-threatening environment for them to discuss and explore their feelings and questions.
Chris Eisenberg is a special education attorney who is dedicated to helping children with disabilities receive the educational services they deserve. He shares his insights on the importance of seeking the assistance of an attorney or advocate when needed, and what parents can do themselves to navigate the school system and ask the right questions.
Lindsay Recknell, speaker and mental health advocate, shares insights and tips on the power of hope and how to strengthen and empower ourselves in positive and uplifting ways. Her evidence-based methods have been used by individuals and corporations alike to increase motivation and transform lives.
