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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).

Easy to Use Virtual Learning Supports: Nearpod Lessons for Elementary Educators During the pandemic, we created some lessons for Unstuck to be delivered online using the Nearpod Platform . You can access these lessons either as a teacher or a student by clicking on the links below. To effectively use the lesson, you must also be very familiar with the Unstuck curriculum . The twelve lessons below cover the key scripts and activities but are modified to be more engaging online. In addition, you will find videos with activities embedded--a real crowd pleaser that many teachers are using to enhance their in person lessons. Embedded in every lesson are the key concepts of: The importance of making a Plan B to be flexible Using coping strategies to stay on target (at a 1-3 where you can make plans e.g. be flexible) Flexibility and problem solving helps kids reach their goals--or at least get part of what they want (which is better than nothing) Lesson 1 Introduction to Rules, Each Other, Goals and Plans Lesson 2 Introduction to Goal, Why, Plan, Do Check (GWPDC) and the elements of a good PLAN Lesson 3 Introduction to the Feelings Target This lesson includes a Jamboard that you can copy for each student. Lesson 4 Flexibility is Fun! This lesson uses another Jamboard for students to look for flexible and rigid objects. Lesson 5 Using the Feelings Chain and learning Flexible is Faster. This lesson uses a Jamboard for students to see how using the feelings chain helps them reach THEIR GOALS. Lesson 6 Students learn that there is always a Plan B--from the Pink Panther (Think Before You Pink). Lesson 7 Compromise or How to Make a Plan B with Someone Else This lesson teaches a key concept. Download the COMPROMISE visual here . ​ Lesson 8 Using the Feelings Chain and learning Flexible is Faster. This lesson uses a Jamboard for students to see how using the feelings chain helps them reach THEIR GOALS. Lesson 9 This lesson is two big concepts: Big Deal/Little Deal and Choice/No Choice. Students think about how to TURN a big deal into little deal (with a PLAN of course), and learn that NO CHOICE situations are when health, safety, or the law are involved. Lesson 10 This lesson revisits Choice/No Choice (sometimes what you want is impossible, and that is disappointing) and adds in the idea that sometimes we need to Expect the Unexpected. But we can do that by...making a Plan! Lesson 11 Students learn more benefits of being flexible and review key concepts using this fun on line game. Lesson 12 Students wrap up by thinking about how distractions (Distractor Goals) get in the way of their Target Goals. Fun videos make the point that it's hard to stay focused on the Target Goal, but you can do it with a good Plan!

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Easy Access to Unstuck and On Target! Curriculum Materials ​ ​ When you buy the Unstuck book, don't miss the downloadable resources! Go to Brookes Download Hub, register, and put in the code found on page ix of your Unstuck manual! Download FREE Unstuck Companion Materials

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.

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.

How Did You Hear About Us? How did you hear about Unstuck? Brookes Publishing website, catalog, mailings School system or school personnel Friend or family member Media/news Professional organization/conference/training Social media Colleague Recommendation from professional who works with my child Found it from a search engine Other How is Unstuck relevant to you? Parent/Caregiver Therapist Teacher or School Professional Tutor For myself Other What additional resources would you like to see? Send Feedback Thanks for sharing your feedback with us! We are so glad that you are here and hope that you find the resources to be helpful. We are always looking to reach more professionals, families, and advocates who could use Unstuck. To help us with that outreach, we would love to have your feedback about how you found our website . All of your responses are anonymous.

elementary UNSTUCK UNSTUCK AND ON TARGET For 3rd to 5th graders Teaching Tips Use Videos to engage students. See the Unstuck YouTube page where videos are sorted by vocabulary/script. Also read the introduction to the videos for a list of videos that can't be saved to playlist, but find the links there. Use yourself as a model, and try to laugh at yourself: adults needing Plan B's can be powerful role models. Easy to Use Curriculum The new second edition book includes links to downloadable posters, game boards, and student activities and worksheets. ​ Now appropriate for learners with ADHD and other conditions linked to executive function challenges, as well as autism. Tested with teachers and streamlined for user-friendliness. Enhanced parent materials, including materials in Spanish. Tested with a diverse sample of children and refined to increase student engagement. Learn more about Unstuck and On Target! Gameboards & Posters Interventionist Training Resources Learn how to teach Unstuck with fun, interactive modules that use real world examples and help you personalize Unstuck for you and your classroom! Bringing Unstuck Home: Solving Executive Function Challenges: Simple ways to get kids with autism unstuck and on target 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. Solving Challenges Help Parents: 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 keywords 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; keywords 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 Quick-reference magnet included! As a bonus, you’ll also get a 4 x 6 magnet printed with keywords 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.

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.

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

Unstuck and On Target at The American Psychological Association Conventions August 4, 2023 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

Unstuck and On Target for the Neurodivergent Community Why use Unstuck? Unstuck is a set of tools that help neurodivergent youth, and their families and their teachers better understand, support, and build executive functions. Unstuck was developed with guidance from the neurodivergent community. Its first goal is to improve understanding and recognition of appropriate supports and accommodations for people with executive function differences. It teaches people to recognize and use their strengths and also to self-advocate for supports they may need. Why are Executive Functions Important? Executive Functions are a set of brain-based abilities that help people set and achieve goals, make plans, handle disappointment, and stay flexible in the face of unexpected events. They enable us manage lots of information at once, and to show what we know, or demonstrate our skills to others. Executive Functions drive social skills and are more important than IQ for predicting success at school and long term happiness, relationships, employment and health. How does Unstuck build on strengths? Unstuck embraces the idea that we can’t make assumptions about how people approach a problem or why they feel stuck and that people build with what they have, their strengths. In this way, Unstuck builds on each individual’s ability to decide their own goals. In addition, Unstuck provides a common language so that neurodivergent and neurotypical people can solve problems together. Is Unstuck trying to "fix" neurodivergent people? The purpose of Unstuck is to solve mismatches between a person's brain-based differences and their environment. Unstuck does this in two ways: accommodations and teaching new skills. Unstuck is an intervention that doesn’t tell people WHAT to do, but rather HOW to work towards their goals. Neurodivergent people are often labelled as “rigid,” when in fact they are either struggling with a different understanding of the situation or don’t know how to be flexible in that situation. Importantly, Unstuck also recognizes that inflexibility can be adaptive, help prevent overload, and offer protection. Ari Ne’eman, the founding director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network , helped us understand that “inflexibility provides order in the context of a world that is confusing and illogical for us.” Unstuck provides an algorithm for problem solving (Goal, Why, Plan, Do, Check) and ideas for how to flexibly respond to challenging situations. The participatory process: Including neurodivergent stakeholders From the beginning, Unstuck authors have developed the curriculum with the guidance of neurodivergent individuals. In its earliest forms, neurodivergent students were asked to evaluate each lesson and provide feedback. Each version of the curriculum has undergone detailed review by neurodivergent self-advocates. In his foreword to the Unstuck and On Target Curriculum (Elementary Edition), John Elder Robison said, “I was very surprised to realize that I could use ideas from Unstuck and On Target in my own life at age 53!” Recently, a neurodivergent student told us, “being stuck feels bad for everyone—so why are neurotypicals so rigid all the time? Shouldn’t THEY learn Unstuck ?” Having seen her 4th grade math teacher, she was right—the neurotypical person was the stuck person in the room! How does Unstuck advocate for accommodations and/or supports? At the heart of Unstuck is the idea that we accommodate and support FIRST to promote learning and participation for everyone. We encourage people, including neurodivergent people, to first think CAN’T YET rather than WON’T. This Can’t Yet not Won’t approach results in an empathic examination of what each individual is experiencing and seeks first to see what modifications can be made to make the task/environment more accessible. Unstuck curriculum is deeply-steeped in a disability rights approach that encourages universal design and the idea that often the challenge is the fit, not the task. ​ The high school curriculum, slated for publication in March 2023, focuses on a Self Advocacy Formula , which places neurodivergent individuals’ goals and right to obtain accommodations at its center. How does Unstuck build on strengths? Fix neurodivergent people Participatory process Accommodations