Executive Functions: Moving from theory to practice for children with developmental delays including Autism
| Presenter(s) | Blasco, P. M. Stanley, M. (Oregon Department of Education) |
| Date | April 6, 2017 |
| Presented at | Oregon Head Start Association Specialist Conference |
| Citation | Acar, S., Blasco, P. M., & Stanley, M. (2017, April). Executive Functions: Moving from theory to practice for children with developmental delays including autism. Presentation. Oregon Head Start Association Specialist Conference. Redmond, OR. |
Abstract
This session will provide early childhood educators with activities and strategies that support Executive Function (EF) in young children with developmental delays including Autism. EF describes the processes that affect a child’s ability to self-regulate, use working memory, pay attention, and engage in planning and goal setting. It is important for educators to directly and explicitly teach and reinforce EF skills, as all skills can be developed and enhanced with practice and feedback. This is beneficial for all children, but particularly so for those with developmental delays including Autism. In addition to offering strategies during daily routine activities; evidence-based resources and activity plans will be shared. At the end of this session the participant will be able to: have an understanding of EF and how it impacts a child’s development particularly for children with diverse abilities based on research and practice. learn, practice and select strategies to strengthen EF skills (self-regulation, working memory, inhibit/emotional control, shifting, planning and organizing) in preschoolers with diverse abilities.