12 This skill could be contributing to your child's lack of impulse control

<p>Guest: Abigail Wool-Biringer. </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Abigail is an occupational therapist and specialist in executive functioning skills as they relate to ASD, ADHD and more. </span></p> <p><strong>Background:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even with structure and support your child still may be exhibiting behaviors that may be tied to executive functioning development. </span></p> <p><strong>What is executive Functioning?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Executive functioning skills are a set of cognitive skills that basically function as the boss of the rest of the brain. They help plan, organize and delegate. They inhibit impulsivity and emotional responses. They keep track of time and problem solve when things are not going well. They allow us to learn from past mistakes and adjust behavior for the future. </span></p> <p><strong>What might executive functioning difficulties look like? </strong></p> <p>They show up in so many ways. Difficulty starting a task that is boring, repetitive or too challenging - so like homework, chores, getting off of something super fun like electronics and into a bedtime routine. They also might show up in ways like difficulty engaging at school, being flexible with the unexpected changes in routine, staying regulated when upset or frustrated, and so many more ways. </p> <p><strong>If I’m a parent what would be some signs?</strong></p> <p>The signs are all behavioral. Your child is DOING something that is causing difficulties at home, school, or the community. You can look to executive functioning to see if that could be a potential cause. </p> <p><strong>If a parent suspects their child is having executive functioning difficulties what should they do? </strong></p> <p>The first change should be to change your mindset. Dr. Ross Greene calls this a lens change. When you view your child as struggling with the EF skills, you can soften your approach. You can understand that these are skill deficits and not something that they are wi