Speaker Talk: Executive Functioning and Non-Traditional Students

Executive Functioning is the ability to manage one’s own academic or professional life. In essence, it is being able to figure out what to do, how to get it done, and getting yourself to do it. Non-traditional thinkers, those with learning disabilities, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and mental health issues have particular challenges in the area of executive functioning since they tend to make all three steps in the executive functioning process more challenging. In his talk, Paul covers the process of executive functioning and the interplay between non-traditional thinking: especially learning disabilities, anxiety, neurodiversity, ADD/ADHD, and stagnation. He also covers practical steps parents and educators can take to help students improve their students’ executive functioning while maintaining a healthy and supportive relationship.