The relation between executive functions, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and how they work in the brain is significant to understand yourself better. They have many connections in how they affect people and their performance in life. Symptoms are commonly linked to deficits in executive functions. ADHD is a clinically diagnosed brain disorder while executive dysfunction, or…
What Are Signs Of Poor Executive Functioning? There can be many clinical symptoms for poor executive functioning. However, out of all the years of working with people that have executive functioning deficits, it comes down to a common feeling: frustration. Sure common signs might include lack of focus, problems with transition from one task to another, or impulse control, but…
What Does An Executive Functioning Coach Do? An executive functioning coach helps students and adults find more organization, structure, and motivation in their daily tasks and goals. We focus on exploring which executive functions skills are established and which ones need more work. Then, we provide executive function skills training on every skill but emphasize the…
At EFC, we talk a lot about “executive functioning” EF skills, but what are they exactly? There are so many other blogs out there talking about the 8, 5, 7 or x amount of executive functions. Instead of running through a list of definitions, it might be more useful to understand the fundamentals. In some of our content,…
Improve Time Blocking for Better Focus & Productivity Whenever I bring up time blocking to one of my clients, I get the same pushback. “I don’t want to feel limited to what I have to do at specific times.” “That sort of structure will make me feel like I am in jail.” “If we do…
Embracing a Multimodal Learning Style: The Balanced Approach In the dynamic world of education, the question of the best learning style comes up frequently. As an Executive Functions (EF) coach, I firmly believe that the most effective type of learning strategy is a multimodal approach. This style balances students’ preferences with the nature of the…
What is an ADHD Coach and Do I Need One? Over the years, I have been described as an ADHD coach by colleagues. Although I am an executive functions coach, 90% of my client load has some form of attentional challenge. I am constantly helping them navigate a maze where organization, focus, and time management…
Inhibitory Control and the Teenage Brain: A Survival Guide Whenever I start working with a student with inhibitory control challenges, I focus on building trust. I show them that I can be patient, understanding, and flexible. They don’t have to lie. It takes some time, and students are skeptical at first. However, trust is so…
Improving Study Skills for ADHD: Proven Strategies & Tips Before we really dive into study skills for ADHD, I want to share a story about Cory. Cory was very gifted and flew through high school not really needing to study. He took a helpful prep course for ACT and College essays and got into a…
Problem Solving Skills: Can an EF Coach Help You Develop Them? One of the most common requests I get from parents is “Can you please teach my child some problem solving skills?” It must be bizarre. Asking an executive functions coach that focuses on structure to teach such an abstract concept. However, exploring problem solving…
Predominately Inattentive ADHD: An Overlooked Diagnosis Did you know predominantly inattentive ADHD is commonly overlooked? Children with hyperactive and impulsive behavior tend to draw more attention, prompting parents to seek assessments. However, children with the inattentive ADHD type are characterized as shy, quiet, and forgetful. Picture a teacher telling a parent, “Hi mom, Sally is…
A Short Story About Goal Setting Smart Let me share a short story about goal setting smart. Sean, a former student, faced unique circumstances that hindered his executive functioning skills. Arriving in the US at the age of 8, he moved in with an uncle he had only met twice. Previously, he had lived with…