The Neuroscience of Executive Skills
- Bruce Perry’s neurosequential model of therapeutics
- Target the three EF pillars: working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility
- Reduce stress and trauma-based shutdowns that block skill growth
- Reframe “defiance” as overload and dysregulation – not willful misbehavior
- What to say and not to say during nervous system overload
- Limitations of the research and potential risks
Spark Skill Growth Through Language, Emotion & Play
- Use play to assess planning, regulation, and flexible thinking
- Link emotional safety to executive functioning development
- Teach attention as a co-created process, not a demand
- Shift language from behavior-based to neuro-affirming terms
- Reflective take-home questions to foster caregiver insight
Support Neurodivergent Kids with Tailored Tools
- Decode stress responses in ADHD and Autistic profiles
- Ditch compliance charts – replace with curiosity and connection
- Scaffold transitions using movement and sensory anchors
- Pre-load kids with proactive EF strategies before demands hit
- Say goodbye to one-size-fits-all – design individualized support systems
Coach Adults for Long-Term Change
- Co-regulation and relationship-first strategies to replace “behavior plans”
- Tips to help caregivers shift from control to collaboration
- Scripts for schools and families to reduce shame and increase clarity
- Practical caregiver coaching tools to close the home-therapy gap
- Case studies: EF progress through play and connection


