Executive Functioning Skills: Strategies for Children With ADHD and SPD

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Video Runtime: 66 minutes, Learning Assessment: 29 minutes

Performance skills, including process skills related to executive functioning, are one of the domains of practice for occupational therapists, but there is little information available about this topic for pediatric OTs. Clinicians need adequate training to understand what executive function skills are and which strategies can be used to help children and youth. This course will provide pediatric occupational therapists with an overview of executive functioning skills in children and youth. Clinicians will learn how to identify executive functioning skill deficits and how to implement practical takeaway strategies to help children and youth with success in childhood occupations.

Meet your instructor

Jenny L. Clark

Jenny L. Clark, OTR/L, has helped children for the past 30 years as a licensed pediatric occupational therapist, working as a speaker, school-based occupational therapist, consultant, private practitioner at her own clinic (Jenny’s Kids, Inc.), independent contractor for early intervention services, author, and inventor.…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Defining Executive Functioning Skills in Children and Youth

Chapter 1 introduces a case study illustrating a real-life example of a child with SPD and ADHD who struggles with executive functioning. This chapter defines executive functioning skills and illustrates typical brain development for EF. It is important for therapists to learn the details of EF development in children in order to more effectively create a treatment plan.

2. Executive Functioning Challenges in Children With ADHD and SPD

Chapter 2 discusses the role of executive function in children and youth with ADHD and SPD and its impact on childhood occupations. This information helps therapists understand the difficulties children experience daily at home and at school.

3. Therapy Activities to Develop Executive Functioning Skills in Children

Chapter 3 describes therapeutic activities that facilitate development of executive functioning and self-regulation, including board games, interactive games, yoga, deep breathing, and mindfulness. It is important for therapists to know which interventions help executive functioning skills to more specifically target deficit areas.

4. Accommodations and Modifications for Executive Functioning in Children

Chapter 4 provides therapists with tips and tricks to address working memory, problem-solving, organizational skills, and emotional regulation. Additionally, this chapter discusses adaptations and modifications for the school environment, as well as parent suggestions to help their children strengthen executive functioning skills. This is important for therapists in developing a comprehensive plan of care.

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