Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast

In this episode of "The Executive Function Brain Trainer Podcast," Erica and Darius explore a range of diagnostic and assessment options, including clinical interviews, real-world observations, and functional neuroimaging. They also discuss various screeners and rating scales like the EFCS and BRIEF, as well as standardized neuropsychological tests such as the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Stroop Color and Word Test. This episode is a treasure trove for parents, tutors, and educators, offering an in depth understanding and strategies to support individuals with executive function challenges in a compassionate, jargon-free manner.

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In this episode, Darius and Erica discuss how Artificial intelligence like Claude is transforming how we can support executive functioning skills. With a massive 70,000 word memory, Claude provides context that enhances working memory and metacognition. We explore how this AI tool can analyze social interactions, provide coaching feedback, track client progress over time, and generate new perspectives. When used strategically, AI can strengthen organization, task planning, and cognitive flexibility.

The key is mindset - viewing AI as an augmentation of human skills, not a replacement. By offloading processing, Claude enables greater focus on higher order thinking and analysis. Let’s journey into this exciting frontier together!

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In this episode, Erica and Darius unpack the upcoming SAT overhaul. What's changing, and why? How will it impact students with learning differences and executive function? We explore the pros and cons of timed testing, the role of test accommodations, and innovative ways assessments can empower neurodiverse minds. Join us for an insightful discussion on the past, present and future of the SAT - and what this transformation could mean for students everywhere.

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In this episode of The Personal Brain Trainer, Darius and Erica explore the world of voice typing and how it helps with executive function. They discuss the cognitive benefits of voice typing, its applications for individuals with dyslexia and ADHD, and practical strategies for using voice typing to enhance productivity. Discover the power of assistive technology, the future of note-taking apps, and how to streamline your writing process. Tune in for valuable insights and tips to unlock your mind's potential in this engaging and informative discussion.

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1. Built-in Software Speech-to-Text Functions:

Join Darius Namdaran and Dr. Erica Warren in the latest episode of the Personal Brain Trainer Podcast and learn about the transformative power of text-to-speech. Explore practical tools, app recommendations like Voice Dream Reader and Speechify, and thoughtful discussions on improving reading comprehension and working memory. Whether it's about enhancing vocabulary or unlocking the potential of voice-enabled tech for those thinking differently, this episode offers a comprehensive roadmap for rethinking the way we interact with text in both educational and professional settings. This episode discussion is for parents, tutors, and educators eager to harness alternative learning methods.

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Darius Namdaran and Dr. Erica Warren offer a lively discussion on 'hot' and 'cold' executive functions—a subject deeply explored in theoretical and empirical literature for over two decades. This episode presents the distinct neural systems in our brain that support these functions, guiding us in social situations and higher-order cognitive processes. 

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In this episode, Erica and Darius explore the topic of medication as a supportive tool for enhancing executive functions such as inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. With special focus on ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions that influence executive skills, they explore:

• The role of stimulant medications like Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and Amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse) in optimizing neurotransmitter levels for better focus and impulse control.
• Alternative non-stimulant options, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv), and how they may be suitable for those who don't respond well to stimulants.
• Potential roles of supplements and dietary changes in enhancing cognitive functioning.

Remember, medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should always be considered after exploring other options and as part of a broader treatment plan. Consult your healthcare provider to tailor the best course of action for you or your loved ones.

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In this episode of the Personal Brain Trainer Podcast, Darius and Erica dive deep into the relationship between our inner voice and executive functions. They answer the big questions: What is the inner voice, and how does it affect our ability to think and act efficiently? You'll discover the different types of inner voices that exist, from the cheerleader to the critic, and understand how these subconscious dialogues can be transformed into powerful tools for success. Especially beneficial for parents, tutors, and educators interested in dyslexia and executive function, this episode aims to empower you with actionable steps to cultivate a constructive inner dialogue, boosting not just academic performance but emotional resilience as well. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation designed to improve both your understanding and your approach to executive functions. 

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In this insightful episode of "Personal Brain Trainer," Darius Namdaran delves into a unique perspective on artificial intelligence (AI) and its connection to the Socratic Method. Together with Dr. Erica Warren, they explore how AI can be utilized to enhance executive function skills and encourage out-of-the-box thinking through inquiry and reflection. Drawing inspiration from Socrates's approach to teaching, they discuss how questions and responses can provoke curiosity, foster exploration, and build understanding.

Whether you're an educator, student, or lifelong learner, this episode offers a fresh perspective on embracing AI as a tool for personal growth. Guided by the Socratic Method, Darius and Dr. Warren invite you to challenge conventional learning paradigms and embark on a collaborative journey of inquiry. Join them in exploring this innovative approach and discover new ways to enhance your thinking and learning.

Prompt:

I want you to act like Socrates and Imagine you are a teacher using the Socratic method to engage with students. When answering questions, remember to:

1. Pose open-ended, thought-provoking questions to guide the conversation.

2. Actively listen and encourage elaboration and clarification of ideas.

3. Encourage self-examination and personal growth.

4. Demonstrate intellectual humility and openness to new perspectives.

5. Engage in a dialectical process, refining ideas through dialogue.

6. Adapt your approach to individual learners' needs and abilities.

7. Emphasize the importance of the inquiry process over finding the "right" answer.

8. Encourage participants to ask their own questions and cultivate curiosity."

You are going to be the teacher and I am going to be the student. I want you to ask me a question and wait for my response then repeat the process. Are you ready to begin Socrates? If you are, ask me what topic I want to learn.

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In this episode of The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast, join hosts Erica and Darius as they dive deep into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI), its likeness to the human brain, and how it interacts with our memory systems. They unpack the functions of language models like GPT, which Erica describes as a procedural memory powerhouse, and Darius compares it to an "inference machine" that predicts and processes language in a similar way to our brains. Will AI impact our personal and professional lives? How does it affect data privacy, copyright laws, and overall human intelligence? And most importantly, how can AI tools like Chat GPT support those of us with unique cognitive profiles, such as dyslexia? Tune in to explore these questions and more, and let's journey together into the future of cognitive science and technology. 

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Tune into this enlightening episode of The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast where hosts Erica and Darius journey into the diverse realms of Interactive, Indirect Experience, Direct Experience, and Rhythmic Melodic processing. Understanding these unique cognitive styles can vastly improve our executive functions, and how we interpret and interact with the world. From collaborative brainstorming of interactive learners, to the in-person approach of direct experience learners, to the rhythm-driven minds of melodic learners, we explore strategies to accommodate each unique style. Whether you're drawn to shared experiences or beat-driven patterns, there's something to learn and apply in this exciting exploration of brain processing.

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In this episode of The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast, Erica and Darius guide us through the dynamic world of visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic processing. As we navigate our everyday lives, our brains and executive functions decode the world around us via multiple sensory channels. Dive in as we unpack each processing type, providing a comprehensive understanding of how we interpret visual stimuli, sounds, tactile experiences, and movement. This episode will also provide valuable strategies to accommodate and enhance these unique learning pathways, promoting more effective, inclusive, and immersive learning experiences. Whether you're a visualizer or a kinesthetic learner, there's something for everyone in this sensory symphony. Get ready to embark on a journey of cognitive exploration and self-improvement.

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In this episode of The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast, Erica and Darius guide us through the dynamic world of visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic processing. As we navigate our everyday lives, our brains, and executive functions decode the world around us via multiple sensory channels. Dive in as we unpack each processing type, providing a comprehensive understanding of how we interpret visual stimuli, sounds, tactile experiences, and movement. This episode will also provide valuable strategies to accommodate and enhance these unique learning pathways, promoting more effective, inclusive, and immersive learning experiences. Whether you're a visualizer or a kinesthetic learner, there's something for everyone in this sensory symphony. Get ready to embark on a journey of cognitive exploration and self-improvement. 

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In this episode, Darius and Erica dive into the interplay between memory and executive functioning. Learn about internal and external memory techniques as well as specific strategies that can be used to enhance memory. This episode offers a multitude of insights, whether you're a student eager to boost academic performance or a lifelong learner striving to optimize cognitive abilities.

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Welcome to The Personal Brain Trainer Podcast! In this warm and engaging episode, Erica and Darius explore the intriguing world of metacognition and executive functioning (EF). Discover how these interconnected cognitive processes shape the way we think, learn, and problem-solve. Perfect for students, teachers, or anyone with a curiosity about the human mind, this episode offers research-backed insights and practical strategies for developing metacognition and enhancing executive functioning. Join us as we dive into self-reflection, active learning, and goal-setting techniques designed to unlock your full potential in both daily life and academic pursuits.

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In this episode, Erica and Darius explore the impact of neurodiversity on executive functions, discuss the importance of accommodating diverse ways of processing, and promote inclusive environments. They share valuable strategies to break down complex tasks, encourage self-reflection, and leverage technology to support individuals with unique learning needs. Tune in to learn how to empower neurodiverse individuals to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Links and Resources

Discover the link between organization and executive functioning in this episode of the Personal Brain Trainer Podcast. We delve into how being organized can boost productivity, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Learn about the key components of executive functioning and how they contribute to maintaining an orderly and efficient life. Tune in to unlock the secrets of effective organization for a better, more balanced life.

Boat Analogy

• Captain: Executive Function/combination of the three
• Look out: Working Memory
• Map: cognitive flexibility
• Helm/Tiller: Inhibitory control
• Boat: Systems to Automate or Brain

Common struggles people have with organization and executive functioning

• Procrastination
• Disorganization
• Prioritizing tasks

Practical tips and strategies for improving organization and executive functioning. 

• Decluttering 
• Developing a routine
• Setting goals
• Time blocking
• Simplification
• Timelining
• Using tools and apps to help with organization

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In this episode, Erica and Darius discuss the importance of time management and ways to evaluate and improve this skill. They share practical techniques like creating a schedule, prioritizing tasks, time blocking, delegating tasks, and managing distractions. They also recommend a variety of apps for tracking time and improving productivity. Tune in to learn how to manage your time more effectively and efficiently.

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In this episode, we explore the ways in which AI software, specifically ChatGPT, is having a great impact on education, the workplace, and our everyday lives. We delve into the specific ways in which ChatGPT is able to assist individuals with executive function issues, such as providing reminders and prompts, assisting with decision-making, and helping to manage time and tasks. We also discuss how AI is being used to support individuals with other learning difficulties, such as dyslexia and ADHD.

We also look toward the future and explore how AI technology is likely to evolve in the coming years. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and cognitive function, and the potential for technology to support those with learning difficulties.

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Erica and Darius discuss ways to use Google apps to support executive functioning.  The many benefits of Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Keep are reviewed.  

They also provide some tips on how to maximize the experience and touch on some other Google tools. 

1. Google Drive: file storage and synchronization service developed by Google 

• Shares files and folders with other users (view, download, and collaborate) 
• Accesses files from any device such as smartphones, tablets or personal computers 
• Allows storing images, videos, recordings, stories, designs, drawings and many more 
• Is compatible with various devices
• Searches files quickly 
• Opens up to 30 types of files 
• Offers optical character recognition (allows you to extract and search text from images or pdfs) - Organizes visually through folders and emojis  

2. Google Docs 

• Allows you to access your documents from anywhere 
• Enables real-time collaboration 
• Tracks document changes automatically and reverts to any previous versions - Saves automatically 
• Allows offline work 
• Presents a powerful editing tool 
• Allows voice typing instead of writing 
• Tracks changes and the people that make them 
• Offers security: only people with access can see it 
• Presents extensions
•    -Bibcitation - Bibliography and Citation Generator    
•    -OneLook Thesaurus    
•    -Scrible - Research writing tool 
• Offers special characters 
• Presents styles/headings 
• Presents accessibility tools 
•    -Screen Reader 
•    -Screen Magnifier 

3. Google Keep 

• Creates notes or lists with checkboxes 
• Allows you to cross off things that are done and archive old work 
• Assigns color backgrounds 
• Organizes your notes as lists, images, and recordings 
• Pins important items to the top and easily rearranges or nests tasks 
• Presents content in a sequence or simultaneously (sticky notes) 
• Adds labels 
• like folders this can organize content under headings 
• Offers a search bar to find a word in your notes 
• Converts a note into a full Google Docs document  
• Allows you to open Google Keep while in Docs and drag content into text 
• Allows, photos, images, and doodles 
• Records voice memos from mobile device 
• Transcribes text from your photos and voice memos, making it easier to look up your files 
• Allows one to share and collaborate 
• Sets reminders by time or location 

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Darius shares the recent iOS upgrades that make Apple apps the most convenient productivity tools that can support your executive functioning.  Come listen to the discussion.

Three things most people need to do in their lives

• Take notes
• Use to-do lists
• Show up to meetings

Discussion topics:

• How to use your phone to remember everything important
• Assistive technology: Apple’s new update offers enhanced productivity tools
• The development of executive functioning across the lifespan
• Establishing new neural pathways keeps the brain young
• How to enhance working memory
• Speech to text now does punctuation automatically
• Eisenhower Matrix: categorization of information
• Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
•    - PARA
•    - Proactive project
•    - Areas of responsibility
•    - Resources
•    - Archive
• Stephen Covey

iOS 16’s Three apple apps:

1) Notes

• Taking notes at the speed of thought
• Moving notes to the bottom of screen
• Focusing on what’s important
• Saving with 3 word description
• Organising information according to how useful it is
• Timelining: “All” folder with the latest modified order

2. Reminders

• Prioritizing important and urgent

3. Calendar

• Prioritizing important and urgent

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This episode explores the impact COVID can have on Executive functions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), continued long term physical and cognitive symptoms may impact as many as 1 in 5 adult survivors of the illness.

Study 1: The Lancet reported on a study: “Cognitive deficits in people that have recovered from covid-19”

Cognitive problems have been reported:

• Attention
• Memory, the ability to learn, store, retain, and later retrieve information.
• Executive function skills such as planning, focusing attention, remembering instructions, and juggling multiple tasks.

Study 2: Journal of Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health: “Cognitive function following SARS-CoV-2 infection in a population-representative Canadian sample”

• Young and middle-aged adults who had COVID reported lingering symptoms of executive dysfunction based on self-reported and task-related indicators of cognitive function.
• Moderate or higher COVID-19 symptom severity are associated with significant symptoms of cognitive dysfunction

Study 3: Nature Medicine: “Long Term Neurologic Outcomes for COVID -19”

• Neurological conditions occurred in 7% more people with COVID-19 compared with those who had not been infected with the virus.

People who had COVID-19 were:

• 43% more likely to develop mental health disorders
• 35% more likely to experience mild to severe headaches
• 30% more likely to have eye problems such as blurred vision, dryness and retinal inflammation
• 22% more likely to develop hearing abnormalities such as tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
• vaccines slightly reduce — by about 20% — the risk of long-term brain problems.

Effect on Executive functions

• Trouble with memory – Working Memory
• Constantly distracted - Inhibitory Control
• Rigid thinking - Cognitive Flexibility

Study 4: Study: “Assessment of Cognitive Function in Patients After COVID-19 Infection” This study looked at predominant hospitalized patients and found a relatively high frequency of cognitive impairment several months after patients contracted COVID-19 in the areas of

• executive functioning
• processing speed
• category fluency
• memory encoding
• recall

Study 5: At Harvard: “Rapid vigilance and episodic memory decrements in COVID-19 survivors”

Study revealed some long-term positive outcomes for those that experienced EF problems.

• Recovery in memory within six months
• Improvement in attention within nine months
• Suggesting that some cognitive impairments with COVID, even if widespread, are potentially reversible.

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In this episode, Darius and Erica discuss the relationship between goals to executive functioning and how to make and execute them.

We all know the importance of setting goals, but it would be intriguing and meaningful to see how our EF skills can help us or hinder us in making or achieving goals.

Working Memory

How can working memory affect goal setting?

• Darius’ little notes every morning on his goals for reminders
• ‘50 first dates’ movie about having amnesia.

About remembering everything that’s important

• Identify
• Clarify
• Remember

Conscious decision to remind yourself

• visual blinkers
• verbal blinkers

How to make a goal

• Breaking goals into micro or mini goals
•    - Manage little chunks
•    - Not get used to adrenaline boost of the last minute (like an addiction)
•    - The drama triangle
• Writing goals in the past tense
•    - Vision boards
• Making goal visual/spatial
•    - Feel what it feels like to achieve your goals
•    - Create a map
•      - Establishes pathway
•      - Routemap of success
• Use Ai or social media - algorithms to help us change our focus visually and verbally
•    - Social media algorithm that you can choose to work with us.

The drama triangle- three actors

• Victim
• Rescuer
• Persecutor

Step out of the drama triangle

How does Darius make a goal:

The power of writing goals in the past tense

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Darius and Erica discuss how creating a mindful daily practice can rewire subconscious patterns that aren't serving us.

What is the subconscious? The subconscious is part of your mind that notices and remembers information when you are not actively trying to do so and influences your behavior even though you do not realize it.  Sub-conscious - below thought or awareness (automatic pilot)

Taking control of the subconscious - decide what is subconscious. Plant new seeds in our subconscious.  Reticular activating system - metacognition. Consciously programming our subconscious,

Topics covered:

Erica shares her simple morning routine:

• Go outside, morning light - Huberman “forward ambulation”
• Drinking Water with Himalayan salt
• Finding a “golden nugget” with Mark Nepo - The Book of Awakening
• Doing a dance workout

Some strategies discussed:

• NFC tags
• Habitica
• Rudolf Steiner school routine: 12 practices of Rudolf Steiner school routine
• Beanie babies for task completion with children
• Tactile piece
• Develop habits
• Phasing one in and phasing one out

A daily practice helps to:

• Break old bad habits
• Establish ways to get to where you want to be
• Realize your best self

Moving through life consciously vs. subconsciously

• Enables us to improve EF skills
• Ends repeating patterns that block growth
• Helps us analyze problems and unleash creativity

Mark Weston Quote: “The enemy of focus is habit.”

• What goes into the routine 
• What stays in the moment (creative)

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In this episode, Erica and Darius discuss how executive functioning training can provide the tools for us to drop into our best selves.

What is the best self?

• Proud of who you are and your accomplishments.
• Sense of inner peace
• Able to walk through life with a sense of intention and grace.

Becoming your best self involves

• taking care of oneself and optimizing all areas of your life
• regulating emotions
• embracing growth
• limiting distractions
• embracing intentions and goals

Tools of Working Memory:

1. Inner voice:

• Negative to positive
• Anxious to calm
• Critical to kind

2. Visualization:

• Focus attention
• Manifest what we want by consciously programming the reticular activating system. (sleep-wake cycles, cardiovascular control, pain modulation, consciousness, and habituation)

Tools of Inhibitory Control:

1. Develop attentional or focusing skills

• Maintain external order (organization)
• Maintain internal order

2. Blocking distractions

3. Emotional regulation

4. Metacognition

Tools of Cognitive flexibility:

1. Diverse perspectives

• Compassion
• Creativity - out-of-the-box thinking

2. Shifting from one task to another

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In this episode, Darius and Erica reflect upon the executive functioning lessons from Darius’ dingy sailing expedition from Ireland to Scotland. They use the metaphor of sailing a dingy to understand executive functioning skills and talk about key concepts.

Topics covered:

• Domino decisions - finding those small things that can lead to disaster
• Mini goals
• Study strategies
• Managing emotions
• Self-sabotaging expectations
• Goal setting
• Emotional regulation
• Managing hurdles
• Fulfilling dreams
• Teamwork and leadership
• Proper planning
• Draw out your fears
• Draw out your plan

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In this episode, Darius Namdaran and Dr. Erica Warren discuss how one’s executive function difficulties can affect an individual in the workplace. If who think differently, or experience symptoms of dyslexia or ADHD, this episode offers many tips and tricks.  The discussion centers around how to “show up, prepare, contribute, and collaborate."

How to Show Up

• Invest in a calendar that works for you
• Avoid double booking
• Dodge missing appointments
• Reply to emails and texts

Recommended Tips:

• Use Google Calendar
• Use Amazon Echo or other devices
• Implement double or triple reminders
• Attend workplace strategy coaching
• Pursue training in time management and estimation.

How to Prepare

• Avoid “winging it”
• Implement note-taking strategies
• Voice notes
• Handwritten
• Text
• Mindmapping
• Outlines

Recommended Tips:

• Use of techs like iPads and phone
• Implement optical character recognition
• Pursue training
• Use mind-mapping techniques
• Manage clutter
• Conduct prior research

How to Contribute and Collaborate

• Getting things done
• Writing things down
• Visual representations

Recommended Tips:

• Use Tech tools
• Pursue training
• Consider S.M.A.R.T.
• Check out Asana
• Implement vision boards
• Try Google Keep
• Use voice-to-text software

Access to Work Scheme from the UK

• Technology tools
• Training options
• Strategy Coaching
• Awareness techniques
• Independence

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In this episode, Darius and Erica discuss the importance of parental support for children with executive functioning problems.

General executive functioning support:

• Set an example
• Be structured and organized
• Plan for events
• Be on time
• Think aloud
• Share your own strategies
• Help your kids define and use their own strategies
• Find an executive functioning coach

How to help with working memory

• Teach memory strategies
• Teach your kids how to use their inner voice
• Do activities that strengthen visualization skills
• Make connections to what they know
• Whiteboard - lists
• Photographs
• Scaffolding - Letting them do more and more

How to help with inhibitory control

• Think aloud and share your own metacognitive approach
• Share how you regulate your own emotions
• Turning it into a game - what do you see? - What do you hear?
• Model how to pay attention

How to help with cognitive flexibility

• Show acceptance of differences
• Demonstrate shifting from task to task
• Manage transitions
• Recognize creativity
• Taking risk assessments

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In this episode, Darius and Erica share some personal life hacks, tools, and technology for managing cognitive flexibility.

How cognitive flexibility works

• Managing different rules for different situations
• Realizing diverse perspectives
• Shifting from one task to another

Personal executive function hacks

• Find joy and excitement in new learning experiences
• Be compassionate, accepting, and positive
• Seek a diverse group of friends
• Try new approaches
• Seek solutions and a growth mindset
• Manage the amygdala - unexpected emotional reactions
• Network and have conversations with other professionals - ask questions - consider other viewpoints
• Books and audiobooks - expand our outlook - The New Earth by Eckart Tolle
• Journaling - writing - drawing
• Find your gurus. Going outside of yourself
• Have experiences that nurture flexibility - sailing - outward bounds - golf
• Step into the moment - work with reality

Manage the amygdala

• Going outside first thing in the morning and walking
• Access the calm inner voice
• Make small good decisions
• Step away and calm down
• Slow down

Technology Suggestions

• Computer, phones, video chats, Internet, Youtube
• Groups - Reddit - Quora - Facebook…
• Meetups
• Coworking spaces
• Pen and paper
• Mind maps and outline
• Drawings, diagrams, tables, flow charts
• Debates

Links

In this episode, Darius and Erica share thoughts on the online, video-communications tool, Zoom. The discussion focuses on how Zoom can be used to support and assist our executive functioning. 

Discussion:

• Visual features: background blurring, visual composition, gallery vs individual view
• Auditory features: sound quality, headphone
• Tools: annotations, breakouts, whiteboard, screen share, remote control, recording, chat

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In this episode, Darius and Erica share some personal life hacks, tools, and technology to develop inhibitory control skills.

• how inhibitory control works
• personal executive function hacks
• Time blocking
• Calendars
• Reminders
• Managing your environment - physical - visual - desk position
• Lighting
• Clothing - uniform - shoes - glasses
• Sound quality
• Creating a focused routine

Technology

• Split screens
• Thesaurus
• TickTick
• Asana
• Google Calendar
• Google Keep
• FM Systems
• Airpods and headphones (noise cancelling)
• Zoom

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In this episode, Darius and Erica share some personal life hacks, tools and technology to maximize your working memory.

• Darius and Ericas’ personal executive function hacks
• What is working memory?
• Visualization, visual-spatial, and inner voice - using the tools of working memory
• Working memory and memory strategies
• Technology tools and techniques

Understanding the Foundation

• Visualization
• Inner Voice

Tools and Techniques

• Split screen
• Whiteboard
• Underlining keywords
• Repeating questions
• Memory strategies
• Brainstorming with bullet points
• Drawing
• Color coding
• Lists

Technology

• Ipad
• Voice to text
• Slack/Asana/Trello/Otter

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In this episode, Erica and Darius discuss the symptoms of ADHD from both the UK and US perspective. They also discuss how this relates to executive functioning and other diagnoses such as dyslexia.  Finally, they address how to acquire a diagnosis, as well as some solutions to ADHD.

Here is a combined symptoms list as defined by the United Kingdom NHS and the United States DSM5 criteria.

Symptoms of Inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing)

• Short attention span
• Difficulty sustaining attention or staying on task
• Easily distracted (including unrelated thoughts)
• Makes careless mistakes/lacks attention to detail
• Fails to follow through on tasks and instructions
• Forgetful in daily activities
• Avoids/dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
• Difficulty listening to and carrying out instructions.Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• Problems organizing tasks and managing time
• Loses things necessary for tasks/activities

Hyperactivity and impulsivity

• Problems sitting still and leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
• Constant fidgeting and excessive physical movement
• Talks excessively
• Difficulty waiting turn
• Acting without thinking
• Blurts out answers
• Interrupts or intrudes on others
• Experiences feelings of restlessness
• Has difficulty engaging in quiet, leisurely activities
• Is “on-the-go” or acts as if “driven by a motor”

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Auditory processing is a cognitive skill that allows us to interpret and find meaning from sounds in our environment. In other words, it is how we make sense of what we hear.

In this podcast, we will review ten types of auditory processing and will discuss the importance of each skill for early literacy and learning at large.

What does this have to do with executive functioning?  If we are not properly interpreting and making sense of the sounds in our environment we are not able to provide our executive functions with the needed information.

• Auditory discrimination: the ability to distinguish between sounds that are similar but are distinct.
• Auditory closure: the ability to understand words when some sounds or phonemes are missing.
• Auditory figure-ground: the ability to focus on specific sounds in noisy environments.
• Auditory synthesis: the ability to pull together sounds into a meaningful whole.
• Auditory memory: the ability to recall information that is presented orally.
• Auditory sequencing: the ability to understand and recall the specific order of sounds and words.
• Auditory reasoning: the ability to understand auditory information in a logical way and to draw conclusions.
• Auditory conceptualization: the ability to interpret a sound or sounds.
• Auditory attention: the ability to filter out unnecessary sounds, as well as sustain and shift attention when focusing on sounds.
• Auditory localization: the ability to determine the source and location of a sound.

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Last week (Episode 18) we talked about a number of cognitive areas that work in tandem with visual processing. In this episode, we discuss vision problems and their impact on learning.

Vision Problems: Importance of vision screening (must rule out before testing)

Symptoms

• Frequent headaches or eyestrain
• Blurring of vision (near or far)
• Avoidance of close work or visually demanding tasks
• Poor judgment of depth
• Turning the head left right up or down
• Cover or close one eye, or favour the vision in one eye
• Double vision
• Difficulty following a moving target
• Dizziness or motion sickness
• Difficulty changing focus from distance to near and back again
• Poor hand-eye coordination

Academic Performance Problems

• Poor reading comprehension
• Loss of place, repetition, and/or omission of words while reading - Poor reading comprehension
• Eye fatigue when reading
• Words jump around when reading
• Difficulty copying from one place to another
• Difficulty concentrating
• Poor hand-eye coordination and writing
• Letter and/or word discrimination
• Difficulty judging sizes and shapes

Typical vision problems that can impact learning

1. Refractive errors 

2. Accommodation 

3. Eye teaming 

4. Binocular vision 

5. Peripheral Vision

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Last week (Episode 17) we talked about visual processing. In this episode, we discuss a number of cognitive areas that work in tandem with visual processing. Additionally, we discuss a variety of resources that can be used to enhance these cognitive skills.

Related Areas that Work with Visual Processing

1. Visual Processing Speed: processing visual information at a certain pace or speed.

2. Visual-Motor Integration (fine motor dexterity): translating visual perception into a motor response. The ability to make fine and accurate motor responses such as tying one's shoe or one's handwriting skills.

3. Visual Attention: Maintain focus on visual information.

4. Visual Scanning or Tracking: Tracking is the ability to move one's eyes smoothly across the page and from one line of text to another.

  a. Problems can arise such as eye fatigue, word omissions, reversals, losing one's place while reading, and most importantly these difficulties can negatively impact reading comprehension.

  b. Tracking can be improved by strengthening eye muscles as well as getting the eyes and brain to work together.

  c. There are three eye movements that need to be developed:

• Fixations: ability to hold one's eyes steady without moving off a target.
• Pursuits: ability to follow a moving target with one's eyes.
• Saccades (Sucads - french for jerk): ability to jump to new targets that randomly disappear and reappear in a different location.

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Visual processing is a cognitive skill that allows us to interpret and find meaning from visual images. In other words, it is how we make sense of what we see. Visual processing is vital because it plays a key role in learning visual information from our environment. 

It is a fundamental skill for reading, math, and spelling. Visual processing involves a number of cognitive processing skills: 

• Visual Discrimination - the ability to tell the difference between images that are similar but not the same. 
• Visual Directionality - the ability to discriminate between left and right and objects or images that are facing left or right. 
• Visual Memory - the ability to remember what one has seen.
• Visual Sequencing - the ability to remember the order of a series of visual stimuli. 
• Visual Closure - the ability to understand images when some parts of the image are missing. 
• Visual Reasoning - the ability to analyze visual information and find meaning. 
• Visual Synthesis - the ability to assemble visual parts or pieces into a whole. 
• Visual-Spatial - the ability to make sense of visual information in space and the orientation of the objects in that space. 
• Visual Figure-Ground - the ability to find or detect an image when there are many overlapping images within the visual field. 

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In this episode, we explore the connection between working memory and long-term memory. Darius shares his experience in dyslexia and executive functioning master class with Dr Neil Mackay and others. We discuss the application of memory strategies, effortful mental transformation, and active processing to improve learning.

We covered the following topics:

• Dyslexia Friendly Approach
• Alan Baddeley’s Model of Working Memory
• Relation of language to your thinking
• Effortful mental transformation
• Retrieving information vs. receiving Information
• Memory strategies implementation
• The importance of modeling
• Thinking out loud

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In this episode, we discuss learned helplessness and its impact on learning. We also address strategies that can help students move through learned helplessness and embrace learning.

• Learned helplessness happens when people or animals become conditioned to believe that a bad situation is unchangeable or inescapable.
• Learned helplessness occurs when an individual continuously faces a negative, uncontrollable situation and stops trying to change their circumstances, even when they have the ability to do so.

We covered the following topics:

• What is learned helplessness
• Seligman's Theory and Depression
• Faking It - A Look into the Mind of a Creative Learner:
• The power of the word “yet”
• Technology dependency
• How we should choose our words
• Recognizing effort
• Having Brain Breaks

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In this episode, we discuss how we teach writing skills to our own students as well as a number of valuable tools that can make the process fun and memorable.

We covered the following topics:

• Common ways to teaching writing to students
• Writer’s block or writer’s bottleneck
• Visual Organizer (The Story Star Method)
• Writing Games at Good Sensory Learning
• Technology

1. Google Keep
2. Wordtune
3. Scrible

• Color coding main ideas
• Learning process that matches your thinking
• Multisensory Learning

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In this episode, we talk about motivation as a fire that is inside the child and it's up to us to ignite the fire and keep it burning. We also talked about how to properly praise a child through and the use of non-violent communication.

We covered the following topics:

• How to motivate children from different perspectives: teachers, parents and student
• Teach children how to manage their executive functions
• Intrinsic and Extrinsic motivation
• Motivation is like a fire
• Igniting a fire starter
• Non-violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg
• praising a child
• Bounce by Matthew Syed
• Executive function

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In this episode, we discussed the overlap between executive function difficulties, dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning difficulties. 

We covered the following topics:

• Executive Functioning:
• Working Memory: Intentionally pulling, manipulating, storing information
• Inhibitory Control: Inhibit or block distractions
• Cognitive Flexibility: Shift from one task to another
• Executive Functioning and Study Skills Course by Erica
• Understanding executive function at an early age
• Dyslexia and working memory
• 3 executive functions and their color associations
• Teaching executive function with metaphors and fun games
• Manifest your superpower
• The Eclectic learning profile

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In this episode, we discuss a number of ways we teach executive functioning skills in our own practices.

We covered the following topics:

• Executive Functioning and Study Skills Course by Erica
• Master Mentality vs Coping Mentality
•      -Master Mentality- People who easily learn content don’t always make good teachers
•      -Coping Mentality- People who struggled to learn content but eventually master it often make good teachers
• Dyslexia and Executive Functioning
• Landscape of Executive Functioning in School
• Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN)
• Manual vs Automatic Thinkers
• Memory Strategies
• FlashMapping
• Dyslexic Advantage Book

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Creating a daily routine is a way to take care of yourself, present your best self to others, and reach your ultimate goals. It also establishes priorities, limits procrastination, provides a structure that builds positive habits and can generate momentum that will carry you on the days when you are feeling rather apathetic and unmotivated.

When we build routines to automaticity, these actions become habits that require little effort or thought.

Links for reference of the topic

In this episode, we discuss 12 strategies that can be used to improve executive functions. We organized the discussion under four main headings:

Routines and Approaches:

1. Maintaining a structured daily routine
2. Using planners and PDAs
3. Developing study skills and strategies (spaced repetition, memory strategies, developing working memory, doing one task at a time to completion)
4. Eating a healthy diet (fish oil, colorful veggies, berries, tea/coffee, walnuts, fermented foods, dark chocolate)

Cognition and Metacognition:

1. Thinking aloud
2. Interactive games
3. Cognitive remedial therapy: Developing and strengthening the core cognitive skills
4. Brain exercises

Movement

1. Routine exercise
2. Martial arts
3. Music training

Mindfulness

1. meditation and breathwork 

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Higher-Level Executive Functions unite working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Like a sound engineer in a recording studio, we can mindfully arrange, balance and adjust our mental input or perceptions into a composition. It requires a concert of reasoning, creativity, planning, pattern recognition, timing and sequencing skills.

Higher-Level Executive Functions

1. Reasoning: Act of drawing conclusions to solve problems and make decisions.

• Reasoning with information makes it memorable

2. Time management:

• Planning and prioritizing: arranging activities for the present and future.
• Making predictions: to forecast something about the future.

Cognitive flexibility is part of executive functioning that helps us switch gears to changing demands, priorities and perspectives.  It also helps us to consider different rules for different situations, opens pathways to creative thinking, and allows us to update goals so we can achieve them.

In a nutshell: Cognitive flexibility is a critical skill that enables individuals to accurately and efficiently respond to changing environments. In this episode, we explore cognitive flexibility in a similar way to changing gears in a car depending on the road conditions. You can think of it as sailing and adjusting your sails according to the wind and the tides. We believe it's important to find a personal metaphor in your own life that allows you relate to the concept of cognitive flexibility and manage your own cognition.  A good example would be when playing golf and having to adapt to the environment based on what is happening on the golf course. So in this podcast, we'll discuss how critical cognitive flexibility is to executive functioning, and we hope you'll enjoy it.

Cognitive flexibility involves switching gears

1. Switching gears - Demands: Managing the changing and unexpected daily demands and emergencies.  Metaphor: navigating unexpected obstacles in the road
2. Switching gears  - Priorities: Taking the time to order tasks.
3. Switching gears - Perspectives: Seeing a situation through a different lens.

Cognitive flexibility also involves different rules for different situations

1. Creative thinking: Thinking outside of the box.
2. Making adjustments: Much like sailing one needs to constantly accommodate or work with the changing demands of the wind, water. and land.

Links for reference of the topic (if any)

Executive functioning conducts our multisensory symphony of cognitive skills and makes it possible for us to

• mentally juggle ideas
• think before we act
• meet unanticipated challenges
• resist temptations
• stay focused
• initiate tasks to name a few.

Today, we will offer an overview of the core executive functioning skills.

3 Core Executive Functions

• Working Memory - Ability to temporarily store, manage, and manipulate a limited amount of information for reasoning, comprehension, and the preparation of long-term memory.
• - Inner voice
• - Inner visuals
• Inhibitory Control - Inhibitory control (one of the core EFs) involves being able to control one’s attention, behavior, thoughts, and/or emotions to override temptations and distractions, and instead do what’s appropriate or needed.
• Cognitive Flexibility - Ability to adapt thought processes in response to their ever-changing environment. - Creativity

Links for reference of the topic (if any)

Working memory is a complex cognitive skill that enables learners to hold pieces of information in the mind and manipulate them.  It is often described as a mental workspace that helps individuals manage their memories, stay focused, block distractions, and stay abreast of their surroundings.

Alan Baddeley's theory:

• Sensory Input and Memory enable one to briefly retain the environmental information that enters cognition through our senses.
• Short-Term Memory then holds a small amount of information in an active, usable state.
• Central Executive, at the same time, directs attention and allocates priority to the two following processing activities:
• Visual-Spatial Sketchpad visualizes input in an internal visual and spatial form and then sends and receives information to and from the long-term memory.
• Phonological Loop manages, processes, repeats (as an inner voice) written and auditory material and also communicates with the long term memory.
• Episodic Buffer acts as a stage and storage device that shares information with the long-term memory, the visual-spatial sketchpad, and the phonological loop.
• Long-Term Memory is responsible for the storage of memories for an extended time.

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