Solving Executive Function Challenges

Simple Ways to Get Kids with Autism Unstuck and on Target

Lauren Kenworthy, Ph.D., Laura Gutermuth Anthony, Ph.D., Katie Alexander, Monica Adler Werner, M.A., Lynn Cannon, M.Ed., Lisa Greenman

K-12

This problem-solving quick guide helps you explicitly teach key executive function skills to high-functioning children with autism (Grades K-8). Teach flexibility, goal setting, and organization—three skills critical to success inside and outside the classroom.


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STOCK NUMBER	ISBN
76030	978-1-59857-603-0
COPYRIGHT	PAGES
2014	184
AVAILABILITY
Available Stock

Quick-reference magnet included! As a bonus, you'll also get a 4 x 6 magnet printed with key words and sample scripts from Unstuck and On Target! It's a handy quick reference for the "Goal-Plan-Do-Check" process that helps students set and meet goals.

How can you help kids with autism be flexible, get organized, and work toward goals—not just in school but in everyday life? It's all about executive function, and this quick problem-solving guide helps you explicitly teach these critical skills to high-functioning children with autism (Grades K-8). Used on its own or in tandem with the popular Unstuck and On Target! classroom curriculum, this practical guide shows how to embed executive function instruction in dozens of everyday scenarios, from morning routines to getting homework done. Designed for therapists, teachers, and parents, these highly effective techniques give children the skills they need to navigate each day, reach their goals, and succeed inside and outside the classroom.

THIS BOOK HELPS YOU:

Understand executive function—why it's important and why it's challenging for children with autism
Teach three skills critical to success: flexibility, goal setting, and organization
Use consistent scripts and key words to help children process your message
Model desired behaviors —and fade your guidance as children generalize skills
Provide simple, effective visual cues that keep kids unstuck and on target
Keep it fun and positive, with tips on creative, playful ways to teach executive function skills

PRACTICAL MATERIALS: Dozens of specific, easy-to-do examples; "Goal, Plan, Do, Check" scripts and worksheets that break down tasks into small, achievable chunks; key words and phrases that help kids stay on target; reproducible visual aids; sample IEP goals.

Help children with autism

Compromise with family and friends
Turn "big deals" into "little deals"
Move on to Plan B when Plan A doesn't work
Make plans and carry them out
Solve problems independently
Be a good friend
Handle disappointments and unexpected events
Avoid "whims" that get them off track

Reviews

Shannon Lisowe, speech-language pathologist and editor of the Speechy Musings blog, www.speechymusings.com - July 27, 2016

“This curriculum actually teaches HOW to be flexible, stay organized, and how to tackle difficult executive functioning skills. It is intended for children on the autism spectrum but I've also used it with children with other diagnoses such as language disorders or ADHD. It has even come in handy for some of my articulation kiddos who have difficulty with frustration tolerance!”

Dr. Julie Causton, Syracuse University - March 17, 2014

“A must-have guide for every parent or teacher who is blessed to have a child with autism spectrum disorder.”

Bree Hibbard, advocate and mother of three children with ASD - March 5, 2014

“This book is the 'how to' that ASD families have been waiting for ... bridges the gap between ASD children and their typically developing peers. It encourages parents and ASD children to find the humor in their mistakes and allows them to see life as an adventurous journey.”

Robert Naseef, Alternative Choices, Philadelphia, PA, author of Autism in the Family - March 5, 2014

“A real gem that delivers on the promise of the title. With clarity and proven effectiveness, the authors put what we think and do intuitively into a wonderful resource that can help parents, teachers, and therapists work together effectively.”

Dr. Deb Leach, Associate Professor of Special Education, Winthrop University Counseling, Leadership, and Educational Studies - February 4, 2014

“Provides parents, teachers, and therapists with practical tools and strategies for teaching students with ASD executive functioning skills that will significantly improve their quality of life and promote positive behaviors.”

Authors: Lauren Kenworthy Ph.D., Laura Gutermuth Anthony Ph.D., Katie C. Alexander, Monica Adler Werner M.A., Lynn Cannon M.Ed., Lisa Greenman

Read the blog post

Executive Function Warning Signs: How to Pinpoint Student Struggles in 11 Key Areas