What is ‘Executive Function’?
“Executive function skills help us plan, focus attention, switch gears, and juggle multiple tasks—much like an air traffic control system at a busy airport. Acquiring the early building blocks of these skills is one of the most important and challenging tasks of the early childhood years. Their strength is critical to healthy development throughout childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood.”
(Source: Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2011). Building the Brain’s “Air Traffic Control” System: How Early Experiences Shape the Development of Executive Function: Working Paper No. 11. Retrieved from www.developingchild.harvard.edu.)
Executive functioning describes the set of mental skills we use every day to learn, work, and manage the logistics of our daily lives and relationships:
- Working Memory
- Self Control
- Focus & Attention
- Motivation
- Organization & Planning
- Time Management
At NowWhat, we offer tailor-made support for individuals and small groups who want to learn and improve their Executive Function skills. The goal is to help you take control of your own life and learning – in ways that work for you. We can support you in person or virtually.
First, we assess your specific needs. Then we create a personalized plan that includes training, accountability, and ongoing support as we implement helpful processes designed to break down the barriers between you and your definition of success.
While we don’t diagnose ADHD at NowWhat, we do offer an Executive Function Assessment called FAVRES, delivered by a Speech Language Pathologist, that can ‘zoom in’ and identify both your strengths and the areas you need extra scaffolding and external supports to thrive. SLP benefits are generally in a separate category in benefit plans,
Who is executive function coaching for?
- Working adults, people wanting to enter the workforce, those who are returning to work after an accident or injury, or those who are changing careers or retraining
- Couples who find practical household management, financial approaches, or parenting challenges are creating unwanted tension in their relationship
- Students (including post-secondary and graduate students) who want to maximize their academic success and balance work & play
- Adults who are frustrated by not being able to produce work that consistently reflects their true understanding and abilities
- People whom teachers, parents, counselors, professors, employers, or health care providers have identified as struggling with self-motivation, focus, organization, and follow-through
- Adults with diagnosed or suspected ADHD (or ADHD-ish tendencies)
- Those with acquired neurodivergence (Traumatic Brain Injuries, Post-Concussion Syndrome) or learning differences
- People recovering from a stroke or managing Aphasia, Parkinson’s or other conditions that affect executive functioning
- Gifted or neurodivergent folk, including those also managing anxiety or mood challenges
- Specialized neurodivergence 1:1 coaching is also available – click here for more information
- We also offer a ‘Junior’ version of EF coaching for younger kids – please enquire or see our page about in-home coaching options that include ‘Bedroom Bombing’ and help with establishing household and personal routines
Where is it held?
- 144 Wilson St E, Ancaster (between Halson & Jerseyville)
- Suite 201, 1425 Cormorant Road, Ancaster (in the Ancaster Business Park)
- Virtual sessions wherever you are!
How much does it cost?
- Initial assessments are $250
- Individual sessions are $180/session
- Group session pricing will be customized depending on ratio and support needs
- OAP funds can be put toward this program
- Sessions are covered under most benefit plans under MSW and in some cases, SLP (check that your insurance carrier covers supervised practice)
- A credit card number is required on file, with paid receipts emailed weekly for you to submit to private insurance
- Questions about using your insurance at NowWhat? Check out our Insurance FAQs
What does executive function coaching cover?
Because Executive Functioning factors into every aspect of life, clients will work with our Certified Teachers and Therapeutic Coaches to assess the most pressing needs of each individual and determine which challenges they want to tackle first. We can offer strategies to help with a wide range of life domains, including:
Couples & Parenting:
- Managing complex family schedules
- Balancing responsibilities (finances, household functions)
Mediating tension, getting on the same page practically
Digital Organization:
- Organizing digital files and folders
- Keeping digital workspaces tidy
Reducing distractions in digital workspaces
School & University Organization:
- Preparing supplies for in-person classes
- Managing learning portals & class scheduling
Planning, prioritizing, and balancing work, homelife & study
Home Life Organization:
- Creating and maintaining effective workspaces and task-flow-friendly environments
- Separating work/fun, finding balance
Managing external expectations
Post-Secondary/Vocation Planning:
- For grades 11 & 12 +
- How to get to where you want to go
Post-secondary plan mapping
Navigating Employment:
- Landing and keeping a job
- Workplace interactions, expectations & task management
Balancing work + school + life
Self-Motivation:
- Task initiation
- Sustaining motivation/persistence
Completing and submitting work
Focus & Attention Skills:
- Understanding task expectations
- Managing distractions
Strengthening focus skills
Task Management:
- Scheduling
- Chunking
Prioritizing
Time Management:
- Developing time awareness
- Developing and using visual tools & external scaffolding
- Dealing with deadline stress
Executive Function in Reading:
- Reading for meaning
- Maintaining focus while reading texts
Identifying literary components
Money Management:
- Financial literacy
- Understanding the value of money as it relates to services and items
Long-term & short-term planning
Personal Care & Routines:
- Eating
- Sleeping
Hygiene & self-care
Social Media Awareness:
- Online interaction etiquette
- Navigating the Attention Economy
Understanding the long-term impact of your digital footprint
Digital Literacy:
- How to get what you need from web searches
- Navigating online sources
Effective and efficient research skills
