The Executive Functioning System (Part 2) - Understanding and Supporting Executive Functioning in the Classroom

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into executive functioning, focusing on how executive functioning processes develop differently in neurodivergent students, including dyslexic, ADHD, and autistic kids. We explore the key executive functioning processes—working memory, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility—while sharing practical strategies to support students in the classroom.

Key Take Aways

• Recap of Executive Functioning
  • Definition of executive functioning system.
  • Key processes: impulse control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory.
  • Causes of executive functioning dysfunction.
• Executive Functioning in Dyslexic Students
  • How dyslexic brains process written language.
  • The role of working memory in reading and spelling.
  • Supporting working memory development.
  • Technology accommodations: speech-to-text and text-to-speech.
• Executive Functioning in ADHD Students
  • Differences in brain development for ADHD students.
  • Impulse control and its impact in the classroom.
  • Accommodations for differences in impulse control development.
  • Strategies for developing impulse control.
• Executive Functioning in Autistic Students
  • Cognitive flexibility and the attachment to a desired process and outcome
  • Accommodating cognitive flexibility differences in the classroom.
  • Strategies for developing cognitive flexibility.
• Whole-Class Executive Functioning Strategies
  • Teaching executive functioning explicitly.
  • Visualisation and planning.
  • Mindfulness.
  • Reflexive questioning.

Recommended Resources

• Alison Clarke’s SPELFABET site for literacy resources.
• A link to Kristy Forbes’ website for learning more about PDA. 
• Tera Sumpter’s ‘Planting seeds with reflexive questioning’ digital resource. 

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Learn more about what Nat does by checking out her website - www.gospeechpathology.com.au