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Unstuck and On Target at the 2023 PCORI Annual Meeting 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

What is executive function? Executive Functions refer to a set of brain-based skills that are essential for people to be flexible and organized, set goals, and make plans. People with executive function differences often can tell you what to do, but they can’t do it. As a result, they are often viewed as obstinate, lazy and difficult. However, this a real struggle and needs to be addressed and supported so that people with executive function differences can learn, grow and reach their potential. Executive functions are made up of a set of skills that include: Flexibility Impulse control Emotional control/regulation Initiation (getting started) Working memory (holding something in mind as you are doing it) Planning Organization Self-monitoring (checking your work and your impact on others) This animation introduces parents to what executive functions are and what problems with executive functioning look like. It introduces simple steps parents can take to help their children. Este animación explica a padres que es el funcionamiento ejecutivo y como parecen problemas del funcionamiento ejecutivo. Presenta estrategias faciles que padres pueden usar para ayudar sus hijos. Managing Executive function THE UNSTUCK Way 1.Accommodate, Then ​ Remedi ate ​ People who are overwhelmed can’t learn. If you are drowning in a series of demands that you can’t meet because of your brain differences, you are going to hunker down into protective mode. So the key is to first get people to a place where they can learn and then systematically teach and then fade supports. ​ 2. Think Can’t not Won’t ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Sometimes executive function challenges are hidden behind strong language and intelligence, leading to “they can do it if they want to" criticisms. But no matter how smart you are, executive function challenges lead to: overload variable performance frustration and low self esteem (internalized ableism) We can all relate to this: think of your ability to start a major project at the end of a long day. Likely you will be less effective and the product will be less good than if you started fresh the next day. That is because executive functions are an exhaustible resource that can be easily overwhelmed by fatigue, overload, or anxiety.

Tips and Tricks We have selected a few resources that we believe will help you quickly and easily implement Unstuck and On Target! in your classroom, group, or clinic. Be sure to also check out our full list of resources . Unstuck in 13 Lessons ​ Sometimes there is not enough time to do the whole manualized intervention. This scope and sequence outlines a 13 week option, highlighting key lessons and activities. Unstuck in a Box ​ Save yourself valuable time by using these instructions to prep all of the materials you will need to implement Unstuck ahead of time.

e-Unstuck and On Target Program ​ The e-Unstuck and on Target Program is an interactive e-­learning course for parents to teach them to support executive functioning and behavior regulation in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The dynamic e-learning platform systematically intermixes didactic instruction with hands-on interactive exercises. ​ This self paced interactive e-learning course will: Empower parents to use Unstuck strategies promoting generalization Provide parents with an individualized set of insights and recommendations for their child, including things to share with other caregivers, teachers, and community members e-Unstuck and On Target Program

Unstuck and On Target for Families Unstuck teaches families 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 A how-to book for parents Solving Executive Function Challenges ( A how-to book for parents) ​ 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).

Unstuck in 13 Lessons Unstuck in 13 Lessons ​ Sometimes there is not enough time to do the whole manualized intervention. This scope and sequence outlines a 13 week option, highlighting key lessons and activities.

3 Ways to Compromise 3 Ways to Compromise ​ Download a poster showing three methods of compromising in any situation.

Visit Our YouTube Channel ​ ​ Watch numerous videos on Executive Functions and other Unstuck and On Target concepts. Visit Our YouTube Channel

Unstuck and On Target for Implementers Why Use Unstuck in School and Community Settings? 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 was designed for school settings but adapts well to individual and group therapy services. 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. More 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."

Behavioral Observations of Classroom Executive Functioning (BOCEF) ​The BOCEF is designed to simultaneously measure: 1. Student behaviors that demonstrate EF skills 2. Teacher behaviors that support these skills. ​ See the links below for the form as well as a guide to using it. Behavioral Observation of Classroom Executive Function form Behavioral Observation of Classroom Executive Function guide

A Workbook to Make Unstuck and On Target! a Way of Life: Your Guide to Executive Functioning! A Workbook to Make Unstuck and On Target a Way of Life: Your Guide to Executive Functioning! ​ This resource was written as a companion for families and caregivers of children in Unstuck and On Target classes and helps explain how to make the most out of these lessons at home.