Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare
This book has been around for quite a while, but is a great read for anyone that’s supporting a child who is struggling with executive function skills. So what is this? Executive function (EF) refers to a collection of brain-based skills that are essential for success in learning and life in general. EF includes skills such as organisation, persistence, cognitive flexibility, task initiation and sustained attention. Children often get referred to therapy because they have challenges in this area. But there is a lot that parents, and teachers, can do to help a child by providing accommodations, and teaching good strategies, that scaffold the child’s learning whilst their brain is developing the lagging skills. This book provides clear explanations of the different skills involved, and gives lots of great ideas on how to support a child and build their confidence.
If you or your child’s teacher are concerned about your child’s executive function, then you may find having a chat with an OT, or an educational psychologist, helpful.
