EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

  • Executive Functioning is a set of skills that we use everyday to help us learn, stay organized, follow directions, pay attention, regulate emotions, and more!

​Does your child have trouble with any of the following:

  • Staying organized
  • Writing down assignments
  • Time management
  • Pacing long-term projects
  • Self-starting on assignments, projects, and/or tasks
  • Managing emotions
  • Self-regulating actions
  • Sustaining effort
  • Sustaining and shifting attention to tasks
  • Prioritizing tasks

​Middlesex Educational Services offers 1:1 Executive Functioning Coaching (EFC) for children ages 10 to 17, as well as, for college students. Our executive coaches meet students needs by first assessing areas of strength and weaknesses and then supporting students with any immediate challenges (completing assignments, meeting deadlines, preparing for tests/quizzes, following through and planning for long term projects). Through support and direct instruction, using student work as a model, students gradually begin to attain skills and strategies needed to meet with success. As they become more capable of managing their time, work, and responsibilities, students feel more confident resulting in increased motivation and effort. Sessions are held in our clinic or virtually.

Many students with executive functioning deficits have weaknesses in multiple areas. It takes time to learn new habits and skills and not all areas can be improved at the same time. We recommend a minimum of twelve weeks but ideally sixteen weeks to develop a level of independence. When appropriate and needed, coaches check in with students between sessions via email or text, providing tips, reminders, or encouragement.

Coaching beyond the initial 3-4 month period can decrease to bi-monthly or monthly in order to continue support and guidance.

Working Memory and Attention

Cogmed LogoIn addition to individualized coaching, students have the ability to build Working Memory and Attention using a computerized program, CogMed.

CogMed is a research based training program validated by clinical, neuropsychological tests and published in peer reviewed scientific papers. It is a personalized digital therapeutic program designed to improve the brain systems responsible for attention and working memory. Students who are allowed access and can complete 40+ sessions from home.

Typical 12 week packages include:

  • Assessment of Executive Function Skills through use of parent and student rating scales and interview/review of any relevant school records
  • Review of Executive Function strengths and weaknesses with the student, educating the student on what executive function skills are and how they impact an individual’s functioning.
  • Goal setting with clear objectives
  • Twelve, one hour individual sessions scheduled based on student and coaches availability (typically 1-2 times weekly)
  • Access to CogMed and weekly progress monitoring/feedback provided to student and parent
  • Parent communication as necessary