Strengthening Self-Regulation and Executive Functioning in Children and Adolescents

Agenda & Learning Objectives

Welcome & Introduction

• Welcome and introductions
• Overview of workshop objectives and goals
• Introduction to Executive Functioning (EF) and its relevance to child and adolescent development
• Key outcomes: Strengthening self-regulation, focus, emotional control, and social skills
• Participant introductions: Challenges you’re facing and expectations for the day

Part 1: Understanding Executive Functioning (EF) Deficits

• What is Executive Functioning?
  • Core components: Inhibitory control, mental flexibility, adaptability, executive attention, emotional control, and social skills
  • Brain science behind EF: How EF develops and the impact of EF deficits
  • Common causes and conditions associated with EF deficits (e.g., ADHD, Autism, anxiety, trauma)
  • The impact of EF deficits on behavior, school performance, and social relationships
• Assessing EF Deficits:
  • Identifying signs of EF challenges in children and adolescents
  • Case examples of children with different EF deficits
  • How EF affects classroom behavior, family dynamics, and peer interactions

Interactive Breakout Activity: Mapping EF Deficits

• Small group activity: Analyze a case study and identify specific EF deficits
• Group discussion: Share insights and strategies for supporting children with EF challenges

Part 2: Strategies for Strengthening Key Executive Functioning Skills

• Inhibitory Control:
  • Techniques for impulse control and self-monitoring
  • Visual supports: Stop-and-think charts, “pause” reminders, behavior tracking
  • Role-play scenarios for practicing controlled decision-making
• Adaptability & Mental Flexibility:
  • Tools to promote flexibility in thinking and adaptability to change
  • Cognitive restructuring: Helping children reframe thoughts and stay open to new ideas
  • Practical strategies for supporting transitions and coping with disruptions
• Executive Attention:
  • Attention-enhancing activities: Mindfulness techniques, focus exercises, and visual cues
  • Using visual schedules and task breakdowns to improve attention and task completion
  • Supporting children in managing distractions and prioritizing tasks

Interactive Activity: Hands-On Strategy Practice

• Participants work in pairs or small groups to design strategies for a real-life student case
• Share strategies and receive feedback from peers and the facilitator

Part 3: Emotional Control & Social Skills Development

• Emotional Control:
  • Understanding emotional regulation and its impact on behavior
  • Techniques for managing emotional outbursts, frustration, and anxiety (e.g., deep breathing, body scans, self-talk)
  • Creating calm-down kits and implementing “cool-down” zones in classrooms and homes
• Social Skills Development:
  • Teaching children to navigate social situations with ease
  • Using social stories, role-playing, and guided practice to improve communication skills
  • Conflict resolution and empathy-building exercises for improving peer relationships
  • Social scripting: Structured opportunities for practicing social interactions

Interactive Activity: Social Skills Role-Playing

• Participants role-play social situations and emotional control techniques, using case examples from their own work
• Small groups work together to design social skills training activities and emotional regulation exercises
• Share and discuss role-play feedback

Part 4: Integrating Executive Functioning Strategies into Daily Practice

• Creating an EF-Friendly Environment:
  • Designing classrooms, homes, and therapy spaces that promote EF growth
  • Organizing routines, using visual schedules, and creating predictable environments
  • Incorporating EF strategies into daily activities: Morning routines, homework sessions, family dynamics
• Individualized Plans and Supports:
  • Tailoring strategies to meet the needs of individual children
  • Using a strengths-based approach to support EF development
  • Collaboration: Working with parents, teachers, and other professionals to create a holistic support system
• Tracking Progress:
  • Tools for measuring improvement in EF skills (e.g., charts, checklists, behavior logs)
  • Adjusting strategies based on progress and setbacks

Interactive Activity: Designing EF Plans

• Participants work individually or in small groups to create an individualized action plan for a child or adolescent they work with
• Plan includes strategies for improving inhibitory control, emotional regulation, social skills, and attention
• Group discussion and feedback

Conclusion & Q&A

• Recap of key strategies and takeaways
• Final questions and answers
• Resources for continued learning and support

By the end of this course, participants will leave with practical, ready-to-use strategies to help children and adolescents strengthen executive functioning skills, manage emotional challenges, and thrive in both academic and social settings.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Understand EF Deficits: Identify key EF areas impacted in children, including attention, emotional regulation, and social skills.
2. Apply Effective Strategies: Implement evidence-based techniques to improve inhibitory control, adaptability, and mental flexibility.
3. Use Visual & Hands-On Tools: Employ visual supports and activities to enhance planning, organization, and task transitions.
4. Strengthen Emotional Regulation: Teach children to manage emotions and reduce outbursts in challenging situations.
5. Enhance Social Skills: Implement strategies to help children improve social interactions and peer relationships.
6. Improve Executive Attention: Develop strategies to boost focus, concentration, and task management.
7. Create Practical EF Plans: Design individualized intervention plans tailored to children’s needs across various environments.