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Unstuck and On Target! Workbook 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.

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 04:57 Play Video Motivation: How Everyone in Your Family Can Get More of What They Want Now Playing 02:57 Play Video Understanding Executive Functioning 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 ex ecutive 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.

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

Coming Soon! What is Unstuck? ​​​An executive function curriculum that uses proven cognitive-behavioral techniques to improve flexibility, emotion regulation, planning and organization. A set of fun activities that cue larger concepts, resulting in a shared language and approach for learning to be flexible, set goals and make plans. An adaptable set of lessons designed for use in schools by any school staff, but also used in clinic settings. Unstuck meets Tier 2 Intervention requirements for IEP's and 504's, but has been used in mainstream classrooms and in Tier 3 educational settings as well. A suite of resources that includes: Manual of 21 small group lessons Companion book for parents teachers, and therapists to support generalization of Unstuck Online training modules with CE credits for teachers Brief videos and an accessible online training platform for parents to learn the language and strategies of Unstuck. Who is Unstuck for and Does it Work? Unstuck is designed for 8- to 11- year-olds with average IQ who have challenges with flexibility, organization and planning. It was originally developed for children with autism who have strong cognitive and language skills. However, it targets executive function abilities that are essential for all children to thrive at home and at school, and research has shown that is effective for children with ADHD as well as autism. Research has documented that Unstuck helps children: Become more flexible problem solvers Improve classroom behaviors for following directions, making transitions, and avoiding meltdowns and negativity. How Can I Learn Unstuck? Use the small group curriculum manual : complete lesson plans with explicit, step by step directions. Parents, teachers and therapists can read Solving Executive Function Challenges to learn strategies to generalize Unstuck skills. Parents and teachers can watch these short videos in English and Spanish, which provide simple, practical ideas parent can use immediately. Parents can complete e-Unstuck on-line training.