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What is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning refers to a set of mental skills that help with managing time, paying attention,
switching focus, organizing tasks, remembering details, and regulating emotions. These skills are
essential for setting goals, making plans, and carrying them out effectively. Which can often be found that impact children with ADHD or Autsim (ASD).
How Is Executive Functioning Diagnosed?
Executive functioning is not a stand-alone diagnosis, but difficulties in this area are often identified
through evaluations when a child struggles with organization, focus, or self-regulation.
1. Psychoeducational or Neuropsychological Evaluation: Conducted by a clinical psychologist, school psychologist, or neuropsychologist.
Tests assess:
- Working memory
- Attention and focus
- Problem-solving and flexibility
- Planning and organization
- Self-monitoring and emotional control
2. Behavior Rating Scales: Parents, teachers, and caregivers complete questionnaires to describe how the child functions in
daily life.
Common tools:
- BRIEF (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function)
- Conners Rating Scales
3. Observation & Interview: Information is gathered about the child's behavior at school, home, and in other settings through interviews and direct observation.
Who Can Evaluate Executive Functioning
- School psychologists (as part of a special education evaluation)
- Clinical psychologists- Neuropsychologists (most comprehensive)
- Educational specialists
Important Note
Executive function challenges often appear alongside conditions like ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities, but can also occur independently. Identifying these difficulties helps create effective supports at home and in school.
What is an Executive Functioning Coach?
They can helps individuals, especially students and adults, develop and improve their thinking and self-regulation skills, which are crucial for managing tasks, achieving goals, and succeeding in school and life.
Coach in AZ: Sarah Emerson with Shine Advocacy
Helpful Resources
- Understood.org: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-executive-function
- CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD): https://chadd.org
- Smart but Scattered book series (Peg Dawson & Richard Guare)
- ADDitude Magazine:
https://www.additudemag.com/category/manage-your-life/executive-function-disorder/
Qualified Professionals in Arizona for Evaluating
Professionals who may diagnose ASD, ADHD, Learning Disabilities & other disorders:
- Developmental Pediatricians
- Child Psychologists or Neuropsychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Speech-Language Pathologists- Multidisciplinary Autism Centers
Provides free developmental screenings over the phone for children aged 12-36 months.
Note: This is an initial screening, not a full diagnostic evaluation.
More Information: https://autismcenter.org/ezscreen/
Offers free developmental evaluations for children under 3 years old at risk for developmental
delays.
Contact: 602-532-9960
Public School Evaluations
Under IDEA, public schools must provide FREE evaluations for special education eligibility.
To start, submit a written request to your school's principal or district special education office.
More Info: CLICK HERE
Offers diagnostic testing and evaluations for suspected learning disabilities and ADHD.
Services include psychoeducational evaluations for learning or intellectual disabilities.
- Request Services: https://www.salt.arizona.edu/able/request-services
Provides evaluations for learning disorders and ADHD (children, teens, adults).
- Fees: https://psychology.asu.edu/clinic/fees
Offers guidance on finding low-cost or free evaluations.
Services & Support for Parents & Caregivers:
Care 4 the Caregivers is a nonprofit committed to supporting parents of children with disabilities and reducing caregiver burnout. Through mental health support, educational tools, and strong community connections, they empower families to thrive. Their wide range of services is trusted and highly recommended by many caregivers seeking meaningful and ongoing support.
Services & Supports Offered:
Services & Supports Offered:
Individual Consultation
Personalized help with concerns about healthcare, education, and behavior.
Parent-to-Parent Support
Connects families with experienced mentors who offer guidance and understanding.
Events & Training
Workshops to build advocacy skills and support collaboration with schools and healthcare providers.
Positive Family Coaching (PFC)
Enhanced coaching for families managing behavioral or emotional challenges.
NICU Parent Support
Support and information for parents with infants in Neonatal Intensive Care.
Refugee and Asylee Mentorship Program (RAMP)
Culturally appropriate mentorship for refugee and asylee families navigating care systems.
Serving Military Families
Specialized services for military families raising children with disabilities.
💚 All services are free of charge
💬 Available in multiple languages, including Spanish
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