Jessica Patching-Bunch, stress resilience coach, returns to share some stress relieving tips and exercises that are easily learned and done from the comfort of home or anywhere you are when the need arises.

Mark Altieri, Senior Director of the multi-state financial management service Public Consulting Group/Public Partnerships, shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the ins and outs of self-direction aka self-determination, the differences between the programs in various states, and the many benefits of being a part of this growing trend in improving the quality of life for a multitude of people within the special needs and differently abled communities.  

City of Industry Mayor Cory Moss shares her passion for our community, and discusses details about the important program she champions to help to raise awareness among the sheriffs, police and fire departments among others, regarding safely interacting with those individuals with autism as well as other challenges. 

Nicole Ballinghoff, M. Ed. and BCBA discusses the controversy behind some of the techniques traditionally used under the ABA banner and how her positive approach differs from the others to help the individual and their family grow and thrive. She goes on the share about who can benefit from this technique and how to incorporate it into the school setting and daily life in general. 

Dr. Daniel Franklin, Director of Franklin Educational Services, discusses the challenges associated with digital organization, virtual learning and adapting to the new educational trends, systems and resources. He covers what students can do to cope with the transition from the traditional classroom, as well as what parents can do to help support their children in this process.

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. 

Executive Function Skills

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. 

Where Can You Find Out More about Sean McCormick?

You can find Sean McCormick at his blog at semccormick.com/blog. And you can link up with him directly at linkedin.com/in/seanemccormick/.

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.