Strategies to Improve Executive Functioning for School-Aged Girls with Fragile X Syndrome

Throughout her talk, Ms. Haas-Givler intersperses examples of how she handles executive functioning in her own life (also see her presentation slides).

We want to share some key takeaways that might help you before you dive in.

Our Top 10 Takeaways

1. Experiment with different ideas. Many ideas are presented, so you may have to experiment to see what works best for your child (or you).
2. Addressing the underlying anxiety is important. It may manifest itself in different ways. It may be behind the “inability” to start a project.
3. Look at how you manage your day. Look at all the different activities and see if they can be adapted for your child, who may feel a lot like you do.
4. Use a visual schedule. It is important to remember that you never really outgrow the need for a visual schedule. It might be pictures or words. Look at what you do in your day and adapt it, and you may start one way and switch to another.
5. Have a to-do list. Whether you create a list and mark it off or write down items as you complete them, know that everyone has their way of doing things.
6. See what works for the individual. Do you get the hard things done first? Or do you do the easy stuff or things you want to do first? Maybe you alternate. Just because you do it one way does not mean it is right for them.
7. Experiment with what works best. When it comes to organization, everyone has different needs and different ways to organize.
8. Put a “box” around what needs to be done. This is so everyone knows when it is done, even if the task is not completely finished. Knowing what needs to be done to complete a task and knowing when a task is done is meaningful and satisfying for all of us.
9. Transitioning between tasks can be challenging. Especially if you’re moving from a preferred task to a not-so-preferred task. You might even need to look ahead at what is after the non-preferred task.
10. Take time to celebrate. Whether it was a successful day or week — go get some ice cream! (Andy’s Frozen Custard, anyone?)

This video provides many aspects to consider and places to start. While it is a task, you should have fun with it!