Surprisingly Easy Ways to Improve Executive Function Skills for ADHD Kids

Summary

This video discusses the importance of helping children with ADHD transition from prompt dependence to independence by developing their executive functioning skills. It emphasizes that while parents often act as their child's executive functioning, this does not foster independence. Key skills like non-verbal working memory and internal dialogue are identified as foundational for children with ADHD. The video advocates for declarative language instead of prompting, and warns against relying on temporary solutions like checklists. Parents are encouraged to start teaching these skills early, as they are crucial for long-term success, especially as children approach adulthood.

Takeaways

• 😀 Helping children with ADHD by frequently prompting them can lead to prompt dependence, where the child relies on adults for task management.
• 😀 Prompt dependence prevents children from developing their own executive functioning skills, which are crucial for independent living.
• 😀 One of the foundational executive function skills affected in children with ADHD is non-verbal working memory, or future thinking skills.
• 😀 Future thinking skills help children visualize themselves completing tasks, like remembering to hand in homework or leave with all necessary items.
• 😀 Another critical skill in ADHD is internal dialogue or 'brain voice,' which is how children direct their own actions. This skill tends to develop later in children with ADHD.
• 😀 ADHD causes an executive function developmental delay, meaning a 10-year-old with ADHD may function like an 8- or 9-year-old in executive functioning tasks.
• 😀 To support a child with ADHD, it's important to shift from prompting language ('get your shoes') to declarative language ('look around the kitchen and think about if you're ready to leave').
• 😀 Declarative language encourages children to use their internal dialogue to make decisions, fostering independence and executive functioning skills.
• 😀 Although using declarative language can be frustrating for children with ADHD initially, it ultimately promotes long-term skill development and independence.
• 😀 It's critical to start building these executive function skills early, as failure to do so may lead to difficulties in adulthood, especially during transitions like going to college.
• 😀 The Executive Function Crash Course provides actionable strategies to help children with ADHD build foundational executive function skills and move from dependence to independence.

Q & A

What does it mean for a child with ADHD to be prompt dependent?

Prompt dependence refers to a child relying on adults for continuous reminders or instructions to complete tasks. In children with ADHD, this reliance can prevent them from developing their own executive functioning skills, such as decision-making and time management.

Why is it important for children with ADHD to develop their own executive functioning skills?

Developing their own executive functioning skills allows children with ADHD to become more independent and self-sufficient, reducing the need for external reminders. This is crucial for success in adulthood, especially when transitioning to environments that require self-management, like college.

How does ADHD affect a child's executive functioning compared to their peers?

ADHD is considered an executive function developmental delay, meaning children with ADHD typically have a cognitive executive function age that is two to three years behind their peers. For example, a 10-year-old with ADHD may function more like an 8-year-old in terms of executive function.

What is non-verbal working memory, and how does it relate to ADHD?

Non-verbal working memory refers to the ability to visualize actions or tasks in the future. In children with ADHD, this skill is often underdeveloped, making it difficult for them to plan and remember steps for tasks like completing homework or organizing belongings.

How can parents help children with ADHD improve their non-verbal working memory?

Parents can help by encouraging children to visualize the steps of a task or imagine themselves completing the task. For example, if a child tends to forget to turn in homework, they could be prompted to visualize themselves handing it in before actually doing it.

What is internal dialogue (brain voice), and why is it important for children with ADHD?

Internal dialogue is the self-talk we use to direct our behavior. For children with ADHD, their internal dialogue often develops later than their peers, which makes it harder for them to guide their actions and stay on task. Strengthening this skill can help improve their ability to manage tasks independently.

How does declarative language differ from prompting language, and why is it more effective for children with ADHD?

Declarative language involves guiding children to think through tasks independently, rather than simply telling them what to do. For example, instead of saying, 'Get your shoes,' a parent might say, 'Look around and think about what you need before leaving.' This encourages children to use their internal dialogue to plan and act on their own.

Why might children with ADHD initially struggle with using declarative language?

Children with ADHD may initially resist declarative language because it requires more cognitive effort than receiving direct commands. However, over time, this approach helps them build independence and develop the executive function skills they need.

What long-term consequences can result from not helping children with ADHD develop executive functioning skills?

If children with ADHD don't develop these skills, they may struggle in adulthood, especially in settings like college. Many students with ADHD fail to complete their first semester not because of academic issues, but because they haven't learned to manage their time, tasks, and responsibilities independently.

What strategies does the speaker suggest for parents of children with ADHD?

The speaker suggests strategies that focus on building foundational executive function skills, such as improving non-verbal working memory and internal dialogue. Parents should use declarative language, reduce prompts, and foster independent thinking. The speaker also recommends seeking out courses like the 'Executive Function Crash Course' for actionable strategies.