Many adults and children have difficulty with executive function. Traditional models explain executive function (EF) as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the brain. Here, at the Pocket Occupational Therapist, we use the Train Model of EF.  We know that EF is responsible for planning, organizing, focusing, self-control, and following multiple steps. Also, we need to have interoceptive awareness of our body and emotions in order to work on theory of mind – a critical part of EF. A great deal of frustration can happen when executive function skills are weak. 

It’s critical to use the child’s strengths to work toward smooth EF. Actually, anytime we work with children, we need to use preferred activities. Kids should enjoy learning new skills and we need to meet them where they are by doing thorough caregiver interviews and observations. 

Want more information about executive function? Read my earlier post for 5 tips to help here.

We love infographics because they explain things in a short and easy-to-understand format.

Here’s the link to a new infographic developed by Developing Child at Harvard University.  

Working memory is a critical part of executive function….read more from my earlier post.

Therapists……..while working on my OTD, my Capstone project was ‘Helping Build Executive Function Skills in Children.’ Want CEUs? View my 8.5 hours of AOTA Approved CEUs course here.