Empowering Lives
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Executive Functioning Difficulties Support for Children and Adults

Executive function operates as the brain's CEO, managing learning, emotions, and behavior. Though not a formal learning disability, the term "executive function" is commonly used in education and performance contexts.

In a fast-paced world, academic and professional requirements grow more complex, demanding strong problem-solving and flexible thinking from all.

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Executive Function Difficulties - Cognitive Functions

Executive Function difficulties can be broken down into weaknesses in one or more of the
​following cognitive functions:
Symbolic Thinking
(Thinking and problem solving through language)
​

Non-Verbal
Thinking

(Thinking and problem solving non-verbally)
​

Predicative Speech
(Sequential logic)
​
​
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Symbol Relations
(Fluid processing and conceptual reasoning )
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Executive Function Difficulties Can Make the Following a Real Challenge:

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Manage and prioritise tasks

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Pay attention and change focus when necessary

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Problem solving

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Possess mental initiative

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Set and achieve goals

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Plan, organise and finish tasks

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Learn from experience

Discover Your Unique Cognitive Profile
Arrowsmith Cognitive Questionnaire
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​Take our 30-minute cognitive profile questionnaire to start the journey into understanding your brain's strengths and weaknesses through a cognitive lens.
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Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment
​The Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment, administered by an Arrowsmith trained professional, will provide you with an in-depth insight into your unique cognitive profile. 
Find out more
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Executive Function is Often Linked with Attentional Difficulties

This is because many of the cognitive functions, or brain processes that control our attention and focus are also responsible for executive functions.

​In our brains, two key cognitive functions we possess are Symbolic Thinking in the left hemisphere and Non-Verbal Thinking in the right hemisphere. These functions work constantly to find solutions to problems and keep us focused until we reach those solutions. 

In total, there are four cognitive functions make up our brain’s leadership team: - constantly analysing the world around us, solving problems, discovering opportunities, calculating risks, making decisions and importantly developing contingency plans.

Executive Function Weaknesses Often Lead to a Reliance on External Input

When someone has difficulty with executive functioning, they often need help from outside sources. This could mean using external systems or strategies, or even relying on other people to help stay on track.

Sometimes, family members, partners, or friends end up taking on the executive role in the life of someone who struggles with executive function skills. Parents, for example, might find themselves still having to manage and solve problems for their child even as they get older.

Spouses and co-workers might also feel the strain of picking up the slack or feeling let down by someone who has trouble meeting their responsibilities.

Often, people with poor executive function skills are misunderstood. Their difficulties might be mistaken for laziness or lack of motivation, when in reality, they're struggling with something that's hard for them to control.





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Executive Function Difficulties Don't Need to be for Life

Once the underlying weak cognitive functions are identified, a strengthening program can be implemented. 

Enhancing the core cognitive processes responsible for executive function skills leads to significant improvements in all aspects of life. Children develop independence, determination and focus. Adults take responsibility for their lives, have clarity of thought, set goals and a plans to achieve them.  

Contact Empowering Lives to discover how a stronger cognitive capacity can lead to enduring successes.
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Interested in Exploring Auditory Processing Difficulties in More Detail?

You can find more information on this topic in Chapter 9, Hitting the Wall, of Barbara Arrowsmith-Young’s, The Woman Who Changed Her Brain.

Testimonials

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My son has increased in self-confidence and motivation towards going to school. He appears to be “fired up” and ready for school once he has done a session of Arrowsmith. Early on, the first report from his teacher was “a switch has been flicked” and whatever we are doing at home, keep doing it. She is not having to keep him on task, he is managing that more himself.



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Arrowsmith Parent
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 My daughter now uses her own brain to do things whereas before she was borrowing mine.​​














​Vicki- Arrowsmith Parent
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For the past 4 and a half years, every morning I have had to give my son step by step instructions on getting ready for school. Within the first week on the CIP program (Symbol Relations Intensive Program), he is getting ready without me telling him. He now gets ready without any arguments and sometimes gets 45mins to play with his brothers before he starts his school day. I’m so happy we found Empowering Lives as they have really been a Godsend!”​
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Arrowsmith Parent
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Empowering Lives is an initiative of 
Teen Challenge Queensland​





​Empowering Lives, 2021 ©
  • Home
  • Programs
    • Who We Help >
      • Learning Difficulties >
        • ADHD
        • Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties
        • Dyscalculia and Maths Difficulties
        • Dysgraphia and Writing Difficulties
        • Non-Verbal Difficulties
        • Memory Retention Difficulties
        • Auditory Processing Difficulties
        • Executive Functioning Difficulties
      • Older Adults
      • Brain Recovery After Addiction >
        • Adults Overcoming Addiction
    • Program Overview
    • Class Options & Pricing
    • Steps to Enrolment
    • Assessments >
      • Full Arrowsmith Assessment
      • Woodcock Johnson Achievement Assessment
  • How It Works
    • Neuroplasticity - The Brain's Ability to Change
    • Cognitive Funtions
    • Cognitive Exercises >
      • Symbol Relations
      • Motor Symbol Sequencing
      • Symbolic Thinking
      • Memory for Information and Instructions
      • Predicative Speech
      • Symbol Recognition
      • Lexical Memory
      • Non Verbal Thinking
      • Quantification Sense
    • Barbara Arrowsmith-Young - The Woman Who Changed Her Brain
    • Research >
      • Research FAQ's
    • Media/Press
  • Class Timetable
  • Testimonials
  • About Us
  • Contact