Dr. Emily Levy is the founder and director of EBL Coaching, a specialized tutoring program that offers individualized one-on-one home, virtual, and on-site instruction using research-based, multi-sensory techniques. She is the co-creator of the Writing Mastery software program that helps students develop stronger writing skills using a systematic approach to instruction and direct feedback. Sophie Gutter is a ninth-grade student who is incredibly passionate about helping neurodivergent students thrive. She is the co-creator of the Writing Mastery software program and is excited to help students improve their writing skills.
Cian is an award-winning director, showrunner and executive producer. He is the co-creator, showrunner and director of the Emmy-winning Love on the Spectrum series, and has just finished filming a 3rd US season. In addition to creating and directing other series and documentaries, Cian was the series director of the critically acclaimed and award-winning Employable Me, a series featuring people with disabilities looking for employment, and Changing Minds: The Inside Story, an observational documentary filmed inside a mental health unit. He is attracted to projects that have something to say, while not forgetting it is the audience they are made for.
Diane Strand is an author, an award-winning Executive Producer, an owner at JDS Video & Media Productions and Actors Studio, and the founder of the nonprofit JDS Creative Academy. Her programs provide Hands-On training and paid supported internship opportunities, and are designed to break down barriers to gainful employment in video production, post production and acting for neurodivergent and disabled individuals.
Jimmy is an award-winning Film and Television Producer, Educator, and Supervising Sound Editor. He is credited on more than 500 productions and has won 2 Emmys and 5 Golden Reel awards. Jimmy is the founder of award-winning training operations for Autistic adults and disabled Veterans.https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-vesb4-17dfa22
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.
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.
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.
