A Guide To Executive Functioning Training: Who Can Benefit and What Does It Include?
According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), executive function (EF) is the cognitive processes related to "controlling initiation and inhibition; sustaining and shifting attention; organization; goal setting, and completion; and determining plans for the future." Executive function skills allow us to think of the tasks we need to complete, organize them into the most logical order, and carry through to complete these tasks.
EF deficits can occur in both children and adults. In children, you may notice difficulty keeping a backpack organized, losing track of what chore was supposed to be completed, or feeling overwhelmed by choices and decisions. These challenges can carry over as children grow into adults or EF deficits may be acquired following an event such as a stroke or brain injury.
So, how can a speech therapist help with executive functioning?
Evaluation of Executive Functioning Deficits
Speech Therapy Treatment for Executive Function
Collaboration and Education with the Team
Evaluation of Executive Functioning Deficits:
Speech therapists are trained to identify risk factors for EF deficits including their signs and symptoms as well as how medical diagnoses may impact EF skills. Additionally, a speech-language pathologist considers developmental milestones rates to cognition (thought processes). An evaluation for executive functioning deficits may include informal interview and observations or the use of a formal evaluation to assess certain areas of deficit.
Evaluation is the first step to determine where deficits exist to improve daily functioning.
Speech Therapy Treatment for Executive Function:
Treatment for EF is personalized to each area of defici in daily life. A speech therapist will create goals based on your child or your individual needs, tracking progress to ensure the client reaches their goal. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to be involved in the treatment of executive functioning skills to improve carry-over to daily activities.
When thinking of EF treatment, activities may look like:
Setting up a system to track assignments dues and organize school work.
Identifying barriers or distractions that may delay or slow the completion of an activity.
Training in the use of memory supports to improve memory.
Prioritizing tasks or alternating attention to multiple tasks.
Treatment may start in a less distracting environment and progress to a noisy, higher distraction environment to allow for carry-over to real-life.
Collaboration and Education with the Team
Executive functioning deficits can affect individuals in a variety of ways and various environments. A speech therapist will also collaborate with the entire team- parents, caretakers, teachers, employers, medical professionals, neuropsychologists, etc. By collaborating with the entire team, we gain information on how other areas impact performance to ensure all goals are addressed and met.
If you notice difficulties with your child managing school work or social events or if you find work tasks piling up and getting lost, speech therapy for executive functioning may be for you!
Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy LLC is owned by Sophia Apgar, M.A. CCC-SLP. Experienced in the treatment of speech, swallowing, cognition, and dysphagia, she provides personalized speech therapy in the comfort of your home. In home speech therapy services are offered in Cherry Hill, NJ, and the surrounding South Jersey region including Camden, Atlantic, Burlington, Gloucester, and Salem Counties. To schedule an appointment call 856-200-8392 or click https://insightspeechandswallowing.clientsecure.me .
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