Improving Executive Functions: Strategies to Change the Brain and Change Behavior

Featuring George McCloskey, PhD, International Expert and Best-Selling Author of Assessment and Intervention for Executive Function Difficulties and Essentials of Executive Functions Assessment

Proven Interventions for Children, Adolescents and Adults

• Profile your client’s EF strengths and weaknesses to target specific interventions
• Promote EF development – strategies for directing, cueing, prompting
• Transition strategies from being externally prompted to internally regulated
• Tailor interventions that can be used individually or with large groups/classrooms
• Teach your clients to be more independent

Join international expert and author, George McCloskey, Ph.D., for this strategy filled day! Dr. McCloskey has over 35 years of experience as a psychologist and 20 years of researching executive functions (EF), working with leaders in the field and assessing and intervening with the executive function difficulties of children, adolescents and adults. You will learn the nature of executive functions, how to promote their growth, and improve EF difficulties.

People who have executive function deficits can have varying strengths and weaknesses in regulating perception, emotion, thought and action. Dr. McCloskey will teach you how to implement proven strategies that improve your client’s ability to:

• Get organized
• Resist impulses
• Stay focused
• Use time wisely

This seminar draws on Dr. McCloskey’s clinical expertise of working with clients and students exhibiting executive function difficulties. He uses captivating descriptive examples and engaging case illustrations drawn from his experiences. You will leave with valuable strategies that are immediately applicable to change your client’s brain and behavior!

OUTLINE

Executive Functions (EF) Overview

• The neuropsychology of Executive Functions
• Levels, domains of functioning, arenas of involvement
• A closer look at the self-regulation level:
• 7 clusters encompassing 33 functions
• EF development over time
• EFs, DSM 5® diagnoses, educational classifications

Develop an Intervention Plan: Assessment of EF Strengths and Weaknesses

• A multidimensional model to guide assessment
• Norm referenced tests, rating scales and diagnostic interviewing
• Assessing the impact of EF difficulties on academic learning and production
• Learning difficulties versus producing difficulties
• EF-driven Functional Behavior Assessment

Strategies for EF Development and EF Difficulties

• Create an environment for positive change
• Develop and use growth mindsets
• The EF intervention continuum
• Orienting strategies that focus on goals and outcomes
• External strategies for modifying behavior:
• Cueing, prompting and thinking aloud
• Bridging strategies from externally controlled to internally self-regulated
• Internally self-regulated strategies:
• Strengthen independent functioning

Evidence-based Programs and Resources to Foster Growth

• Develop EFs in pre-school and kindergarten
• Problem-solving models and programs
• Cognitive strategy instruction and cognitive behavior therapy
• Technology-based approaches
• Mindfulness techniques and EF growth

OBJECTIVES

• Describe a comprehensive neuropsychological model of executive functions.
• Explain how executive function difficulties are manifested in individuals diagnosed with various psychological disorders and/or enrolled in special education programs.
• Apply effective assessment techniques based on a multidimensional framework to determine executive function strengths and weaknesses and to target specific intervention needs.
• Identify strategies that are appropriate for fostering executive function development and/or for intervening when executive function difficulties are identified.
• Describe and apply strategies that bridge the gap between “external control” and “internal self-regulation”.
• Identify and access sources of information about evidence-based programs that foster executive function development and/or remediate difficulties.

Satisfaction Guarantee
Your satisfaction is our goal and our guarantee. Concerns should be addressed to PESI, Inc., PO Box 1000, Eau Claire, WI 54702-1000 or call 1-800-844-8260.

ADA Needs

PESI would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 800-844-8260.