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Tools to Support Students with Executive Function Difficulties

Kayla McAlister

Assistive Technology Specialist

http://newtonassistivetech.wikispaces.com/

From Todd Hanson’s Everyday Technology for Students with ADHD and Executive Function Difficulties

+What are Executive Functions?

Executive function is an umbrella term for cognitive processes

that regulate, control, and manage other cognitive processes

such as planning, working memory, attention, problem-solving,

verbal reasoning, inhibition, mental flexibility, task switching,

and initiation of monitoring of actions.

+Thomas Brown’s Model of Executive Functions

+How can we help?

Activation – Organizing, prioritizing, and activating to work

Focus – Focusing, sustaining and shifting attention to tasks

Effort – Regulating alertness, sustaining effort, and processing speed

Emotion – Managing frustration and modulating emotions

Memory – Utilizing working memory and accessing recall

Action – Monitoring and self-regulating action

Find the tools that will make a difference

+Using Assistive Technology

AT will not solve any problems on its own, it only bridges a gap.

Without a solid academic process, students cannot reach their potential.

Best practices for using AT should be taught to and modeled for the student.

AT should be incorporated into the methods being taught in the classroom for the students who will benefit from its use.

+Activation

Process What will it take to finish this

project? How long should each step

take? What tools will I need for each

step? Which step should I do first?

When does each step need to be completed to stay on track?

What barriers could get in my way?

Organizing, prioritizing, and activating to work

Tools Color coding Duplicate materials Cloud-based storage File management Notes organization Graphic organizer Calendar False deadlines

+Color Coding & Duplicate Materials

+File Management

Teachers need to teach file management and naming conventions.

Explore Google Classroom!

+Notes Organization

+Taking Notes

Notability iOS and OS application Records audio as notes are taken Quick tutorial: http://goo.gl/awljyz Support questions http

://support.gingerlabs.com/

Audio Recording in Microsoft Word In Notebook layout Syncs audio to what is typed

Evernote Works across platforms Take notes and create

checklists Search handwritten notes

The Live Scribe Pen Works on specific paper Syncs audio to handwritten

notes

+Graphic Organizer

Interactive student organizers

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/

+Graphic OrganizersInspiration

Free trials: http://www.inspiration.com/freetrial

+False Deadlines

MyHomework Across platforms Color code classes Assign priority for assignments

inClass Organize schedule Set course alarms

Google Calendar Access on any device Set up reminders and repeating

events

ToDoist Across platforms

Any other suggestions?

+Focus

Process What is important now? What do I need to do this? What should I put away? What am I doing and what

am I supposed be doing?

Focusing, sustaining and shifting attention to tasks

Tools Simple space Pleasant space One task at a time Take scheduled breaks Timer

+Timers

30/30 iOS app Add tasks with a timer Shows time elapsing

Time Timer Visual timer

Repeat Timer Interval timer

Has anyone used any other types of timers?

+EffortRegulating alertness, sustaining effort and processing speed

EmotionManaging frustration and modulating emotions

Process How am I doing/feeling right

now? Is there anything that is pulling

me down? Is there anything that I can deal

with and take it off my plate?

Tools Scheduled breaks Timer Music Fidgets, balance ball Exercise, meditation,

mindfulness exercises, yoga Apps

+Apps

Calm Free meditation app

Anyone have any suggestions for relaxation apps?

MindShift

Self-Help for Anxiety Management

+MemoryUtilizing working memory and accessing recall

Process What are the key concepts?

Tools Active reading Summarizing activity Rehearsal

+Rehearsal

Flashcards

Quizlet.com

Cram.com

+Action

Process What am I doing and what

am I supposed to be doing? Am I on track? What barriers are in my way?

Monitoring and self-regulating action

Tools Task management Checklists Timer

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Hanson, Todd. "Everyday Technology for Students with ADHD and

Executive Function Difficulties." ATIA. Caribe Royale All-Suites Hotel &

Convention Center, Orlando, FL. 30 Jan. 2015. Lecture.

Citation