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Unstuck and On Target for Community-Based Professionals Unstuck provides ready-made small group lesson plans that use proven cognitive-behavioral techniques to build social flexibility, emotion regulation, planning, and organization skills. It was designed for school settings but adapts well to individual and group therapy services. It h as a suite of multimedia companion materials for families in English and Spanish that can be used as standalone coaching, or as complimentary tools to improve generalization. Why are Executive Functions Important? Executive functioning is a set of brain-based abilities that help us set goals, make plans, manage disappointment, and stay flexible in the face of unexpected events. Executive functioning enables us to stick with challenges without getting overwhelmed. They drive social skills and are trans-diagnostic predictors of psychiatric symptoms. They predict success at school and long term quality of life, relationships, happiness, employment, and mental and physical health. Why use Unstuck ?

Unstuck and On Target Asynchronous online educator training with FREE 3.5 CEC credits! Learn how to provide Unstuck to your elementary students. What is Unstuck ? ​​​A curriculum and a set of easy to use tools that improve flexibility, planning and organization. Unstuck consists of small group lessons and simple, everyday strategies that build a common language for better regulation of feelings, behavior and thinking. ​ Who is Unstuck for? Does it Work? Unstuck is for school-age youth with good verbal skills, but difficulty with executive functioning. Research shows that Unstuck helps children with autism or ADHD become more flexible problem solvers, with better abilities to follow directions, make transitions, and avoid meltdowns and negativity. It also helps reduce parent stress and creates calmer classrooms. How Can I Learn Unstuck ? This website will introduce you to engaging multimedia tools for parents, teachers, therapists and youth with executive functioning difficulties to learn Unstuck , including: An easy to use manual with pre-made lesson plans and step by step directions Online training modules Free videos Much more! Para espanol haga clic aqui Video: The importance of the Unstuck philosophy In the video below, Julia Bascom speaks to the importance of the Unstuck philosophy: Understanding your strengths and things you need to work on so that you can seek accommodations and supports. ​ Video court esy of www.unstuckontarget.com Watch more videos Neurodivergent Community Do you want to expand your skills for being flexible, reaching your goals, and self-advocating? Do you want to use strength-based tools designed with neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people? "My recognition of the power of flexibility came much later than it had to, because no one was there to teach me. ... Unstuck is a way to help people learn the flexibility to confront life's problems..." (John Elder Robison) Learn More Parent/Caregiver Parent/Caregiver Parent/Caregiver School-Based Do you want to improve classroom management and build a common language of self regulation in your school? ​ Learn More Families and Caregivers Does your child struggle with changes in routine, working independently or overwhelming feelings? "Unstuck has been a lifesaver for our family" Learn More Community-Based Are you working with a child who is stuck on an overwhelming feeling or situation? Do you have clients who are struggling to be flexible in social situations? "We all need this vocabulary. We all need these tools.” Learn More TESTIMONIALS Here's what parents say they learned... ​ "Unstuck has changed the way our family interacts. We now all use the scripts and we have a common language that we really try to use in both good and bad times. You know it's working when your child tells you that you stuck and you are!" Here's what kids say they learned... ​ “Being able to have multiple plans because if I don’t have multiple plans I get stuck. If I have multiple plans I can get a little of what I want, rather than not at all. In most situations that’s better." Here's what teachers say... ​ “This is exactly the type of intervention needed to support our academically higher but dysregulated kiddos with ASD and ADHD. I appreciate the structure the curriculum provides.” Here's what community providers say... ​ "Unstuck works for clients with all kinds of challenges, including anxiety, ADHD, and autism. More importantly, kids and families have fun and can do it!" ​ ​

Support Videos This series of videos provides information and practical strategies that were developed for parents so they could immediately support their neurodivergent child’s executive functioning. However, the information in these videos is helpful for anyone working with children who have executive functioning difficulties. These engaging videos feature parents sharing their real life wisdom and experts who offer research-tested ideas and easy to understand explanations. If you have or work with a child on the autism spectrum or with ADHD or Learning Disabilities, these videos will help you reduce conflict and turns can’ts into cans. ​ ¡En español también! Parent Education Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search video... Now Playing 02:57 Play Video Understanding Executive Functioning Now Playing 07:45 Play Video Is it a "Can't" or a "Won't"? Video Tip Sheets These tip sheets were created to accompany the Executive Function videos. They are intended for anyone who wants to understand and support a child with executive functioning problems. Many children have trouble with executive functioning. Loving and caring adults are key to supporting children as they develop their executive function skills. The tips offered in these sheets can make life better for you and for your child. ​ Click here to download the Tip Sheets Video Descriptions Understanding Executive Functioning​ ​ This animation introduces parents to what executive functions are and what executive functioning challenges look like. It introduces simple steps parents can take to help their children. Is it a "Can't" or a "Won't"?​ ​ In this interview, parents Troy and Vanessa reflect on how children sometimes can’t do something when it appears that they won’t do it. They break down how to turn those can’ts into cans. Preventing Overload​ ​ This animation offers parents tips on helping to prevent your child from getting overwhelmed, such as identifying possible triggers and preparing for them in advance. Motivation: How Everyone in Your Family Can Get More of What They Want​ ​ In this video, an expert explains how children and parents can both get more of what they want through motivating strategies. Plan A/Plan B & Big Deal/Little Deal​ ​ This video shows how having multiple plans helps keep your child thinking flexibly and how identifying and managing "Big Deal" and "Little Deals" helps them manage disappointment. We explain how to effectively use both strategies in this animation. What to Do When What We Want Seems Impossible​ ​ Sometimes what we want is not possible. This video features an expert explaining what to do in these situations to help your child. Managing Intense Feelings​ ​ In this animation, we cover how to help your child identify the intensity of their feelings as well as the different strategies available to manage those feelings and get your child back to feeling “on target.” Working Towards Goals​ ​ Creating and working towards goals is a critical life skill. In this video, we discuss how to help your child make goals, understand why goals are important, and how to create plans to achieve those goals. Break it Down​ ​ Children with executive function challenges can easily get overwhelmed. In this video, an expert gives simple tips for breaking tasks down into steps in order to get things done. Compromising So Everyone Wins​ ​ Compromising helps everyone get what they want. This animation explains the different types of compromise and how they can be used so that both parents and their children can walk away with something positive. Talk Less, Write it Down​ ​ In this video, an expert explains how taking the time to write things down can help your child process their feelings when talking to them either makes it worse or seems to go nowhere. Expect the Unexpected and Manage Disappointment​ ​ This animation shows parents how then can help their children manage disappointment when things don’t go as planned by “expecting the unexpected.” Troubleshooting: I Need More Help!​ ​ In this video, an expert explains what to do if the strategies we presented in our videos aren't working, stopped working, or if you've already heard about and tried these strategies but need something more. Troubleshooting: Isn't it Just Bad Behavior?​ ​ In this video, an expert tackles the differences between challenges with EF skills and bad behavior, how to know when it's one or the other, and what to do when it is an EF challenge. Troubleshooting: What Next?​ ​ In this video, an expert answers some concerns and frequently asked questions, such as what to do if you're struggling to use the executive function strategies. The Talk - Black, Autistic, and Male: One Family's experience & A Reflection by Tawara Goode​ ​ Parents Troy and Vanessa Ridgeway share how they've supported their son, Tory, in navigating the world as a black, autistic male. At the same time, they urge parents to have unwavering beliefs in the inherent abilities of their children. Tawara Goode—Associate Professor and Director of the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence—then reflects on the thoughts and worries the Ridgeways express. She provides context for "The Talk," explains the concept of intersectionality, and emphasizes the value their message holds for parents, educators, and social service professionals.

e-Unstuck: Online Learning for Parents e-Unstuck: Online Learning for Parents ​ e-Unstuck is an interactive online course for parents to teach them to support executive functioning and behavior regulation in children on the autism spectrum. Parents can use this on their own or in conjunction with their child's participation in an Unstuck group at school or in the community. ​ This self paced interactive e-learning course will: Prepare parents to use Unstuck strategies with their child in the real world Provide parents with an individualized set of insights and recommendations for their child, including resources to share with other caregivers, teachers, and community members

Unstuck and On Target for Families and Caregivers Unstuck teaches families and caregivers simple strategies that build executive functioning and help children and teens regulate their feelings and behavior. It supports a calmer and more flexible household. Unstuck provides a vocabulary for improving flexibility, organization, and planning that teachers, therapists, parents, and youth can all share. ​​​ It gives families that are feeling stuck more choices and opportunities to work together to prevent meltdowns and have more fun. ​ Why are Executive Functions Important? Executive functioning is a set of brain-based abilities that help us set goals, make plans, manage disappointment, and stay flexible in the face of unexpected events. Executive functioning enables us to stick with challenges without getting overwhelmed. They drive social skills, predict success at school and long term happiness, employment, and health. ​ Why is Unstuck Worth Your Time? Video: A parent discusses the value of Unstuck Let's listen to a parent, Troy Ridgeway, talk about how understanding the Unstuck principles helped him to manage his own stress and identify with his son. ​ Video courtesy of www.unstuckontarget.com Watch more videos Testimonials "Unstuck has changed the way our family interacts. We now all use the scripts and we have a common language that we really try to use in both good and bad times. You know it's working when your child tells you that you are stuck...and you are!" ​"We went through the Unstuck and On Target curriculum and parent training and couldn't believe how much we learned. For the first time, things made sense and we actually knew what to do. We give the Solving Executive Functions book to everyone who works with our child- and as baby presents for new parents!" "Our child is the Unstuck poster child. He really struggles with transitions or changes, hates when people break the rules and is haphazard about his schoolwork. But Unstuck brings us to the table together. We are able to systematically preview things for him and he is really learning that there is always a Plan B. Thank you for helping us see our son was more flexible than we realized and for teaching us how to support him in his growth."

Solving Executive Function Challenges Solving Executive Function Challenges ( A how-to book for parents and educators) ​ 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 children with autism (Grades K-8).

Unstuck and On Target for School-Based Professionals Why Use Unstuck in Schools? Unstuck provides ready-made small group lesson plans with companion parent materials in English and Spanish that build executive functioning and help students regulate their thinking, feelings and behavior. It u ses a strengths-based approach to improve social flexibility and readiness for learning , so it addresses academic needs and social-emotional learning standards. It creates calmer classrooms and better independent learners through a co common language of emotion regulation, flexibility, goal setting and planning. ​​​ Why are Executive Functions Important? Executive functioning is a set of brain-based abilities that help us set goals, make plans, manage disappointment, and stay flexible in the face of unexpected events and unwanted demands. Executive functioning enables us to stick with challenges without getting overwhelmed. They drive social skills and predict academic achievement, long term happiness, employment, and health. Video: The importance of routines In this video, Julia Bascom discusses her use of routines and how they compliment her thinking style and allow her to get things done that she otherwise wouldn’t. ​ Video courtesy of www.unstuckontarget.com Watch more videos Testimonials ​ “It explicitly teaches students executive function skills and strategies that are good for everyone- adults and kids the same.” "These are life skills that you're teaching..." "(Unstuck ) worked great with many students who struggled emotionally." "Unstuck and On Target teaches skills many students need in order to be successful in school." "The skills that Unstuck and On Target teaches students are incredibly valuable. This curriculum works well with the school-wide behavior model." "I saw a lot of growth in my students who struggle, not just ones identified with EF struggles, and it motivated my students who are high flyers. I altered the curriculum to be part of a whole class focus for 26 students."

Thank you for learning about Unstuck and On Target at the 2023 INSAR Annual Meeting See below for more about the information presented in the poster session and use the menu at the top of the page to learn about everything Unstuck . Don't forget to enter your email at the bottom of the page to sign up for our mailing list so we can keep you updated about upcoming projects and resources. Poster Click below to download a copy of the poster Parent Videos Check out our videos that provide information and practical strategies that parents can immediately use to support their neurodivergent child’s executive functions. Online Training Learn about the Unstuck and On Target for Elementary Educators online training More Information Review our symposium presentation from the 2023 National Association of School Psychiatrists conference: Executive Functioning Challenges and Interventions for Students With ASD or ADHD . Learn more about the Innovations Institute at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work and browse the online training catalogue Interested in the Unstuck and On Target curriculum? Click here to learn more about it and for a link to purchase the manual.

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Interventionist Training FREE Unstuck Elementary Educator Training ​ Do you want to learn about Unstuck or how to implement it with your students? We have created a training to help you do that! To get started, create an account with the Innovations Institute at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. Decide whether you'd like to earn CECs for this training and click the appropriate link below to create your account. ​ Yes, I'd love to earn CEC s! No thanks, I don't need CECs Click below to view portions of the training. Module 1: Introduction ​ Module 1 provides an overview of the training and previews the resources and activities that are available to you as you complete the training. Module 7: Watch Teachers Put Unstuck Into Action! ​ In the following slides from Module 7, you will see examples of the interactive slides, how we use the student case studies, and a teacher using Unstuck principles in their classroom.​ Do you work with high school-aged students? Keep an eye on this space for information about an online training for you: Unstuck and On Target for Students Ages 14-21. ​ Coming Soon! Resources to Support Teaching Unstuck on YouTube Individualize and spice up your lessons with fun videos that the Unstuck community has found on YouTube. ​ There are individual playlists by topic or script, so you can find videos to support teaching Plan A/Plan B or the Feelings Target! ​ One cartoon series that we have found almost always brings smiles and an Unstuck "theme" (Stuck, Plan B, Feelings Target) is the Pink Panther. They can be used also as a wrap up or as a "prize" as they are generally short and well liked.

Unstuck Events and News In an effort to create community, we are posted Unstuck related events on this page. Please know that posting does not constitute an endorsement, as we have no quality assurance mechanism. Webinar Series for Caregivers of Children with Autism ​ Dates/Times: May 1, 8, 15, 22 from 5:30-7:00 PM MST ​ Registration: Closes April 24th ​ This live, 4-session webinar will provide caregivers of children on the autism spectrum with an improved understanding of executive functioning (EF) difficulties that impact their child’s daily functioning and teach caregivers tools to support their child with EF struggles. ​ Click here to learn more and to register

Unstuck and On Target at the 2023 National Association of School Psychologists Conference Thank you for joining us! See below for more about the information presented in the symposium and use the menu at the top of the page to learn about everything Unstuck . Don't forget to enter your email at the bottom of the page to sign up for our mailing list so we can keep you updated about upcoming projects and resources. Symposium Slides Want to review the information presented at the conference? You can access our slides below. Parent Videos Check out our videos that provide information and practical strategies that parents can immediately use to support their neurodivergent child’s executive functions. Interventionist Training Learn about the Unstuck and On Target for Elementary online training