Executive function coach?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS had some executive function issues at the start of HS. We strongly suggested writing lists. He was really resistant at first but it helped enormously. We also encouraged him to advocate for himself, directly with counselors, teachers, coaches. That also helped. The more you practice the more you gain.

I’m working with him on the joy of making daily lists and checking things off
I need lists to organize the many things floating around in my head, and hoping that helps him too. He was resistant before but is trying now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to a training for counselors in McLean.
The place was called Study Pro.

It was about meeting the unique needs of students with executive functioning issues.

I left wanting to sign my kid up for a boot camp over the summer before college. It is the same cost as a season of a travel sport.

Thanks! That sounds worthwhile for a lifelong skill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mine met with EF coach once a week thru HS, and co minutes once a week virtually, in college. At the beginning of the semester they go thru the syllabus and mark up a calendar with "to dos." Then as they meet, they go through the to dos, and sometimes schedule out time (exam next Tuesday, need to complete readings by xx, study for one hour on Sat, review Sun, study Mon, exam Tues), or 10 page paper due Tues, when to do outline, start writing, edit, complete paper

I wish the skills to do this on their own were being taught, but this child/young adult will always wait until the last minute unless pushed. And, with their career path, the job/s they will eventually have are doing things with/for others, so papers will not need to be written. From what we've seen with summer jobs in their field and internships, they will eventually be just fine

Not going to lie, its a lot of $$ (all put of pocket), but if it gets them through college, it's worth it

Have you checked if you can get reimbursed via FSA?

[Anonymous]

lol - maxed out FSA is fully drawn down in January every year on contact lenses for the entire family

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We hired an EF coach AND a therapist.

For a long time, DD resisted any help at all but spring semester of senior year in high school was a disaster with DD almost getting a D because they forgot to turn in an assignment. The school gave her unofficial accommodations. Even after that, I saw DD had a B in another class only because they "failed" an assignment they did and never turned in. I had to help them get that sorted out with a very strict teacher and a helpful and kind principal.

While they have good grades, they put in HOURS. The distractions make everything take longer.

The EF coach taught them some strategies. They began using their calendar and implementing other ideas from the coach. The cost was around $100 for 30 minutes or $150 for a hour.

Eventually, DD didn't think she was learning more from the EF coach.

When a spot opened up in the university's program for ADD kids, DD took a spot there. Now, they have a group meeting and a 1-1 coach from the university. This program was an extra $2,000 or so.

DD had to drop math in fall semester. I suspect they have another undiagnosed LD related to math or that ADD makes math hard for them.

The good news is that DD handled dropping the class with their advisor. They made adult decisions about this on their own and then informed us, and I was happy to see them starting to take charge of their disabilities and manage them as well as they can.

I'm nervous about the grades, but I also know everything will work out. People love this kid and gravitate toward her. She has fantastic friends and will probably get a great job due to her personality and work ethic.


That sounds like great progress! Can you share what college had this option? We are working on our list this summer and it sounds like one we should consider if other factors are right.