What is the relationship amongst above, and how can we assist our children to develop the needed skills? Might underneath mentioned App’s help us? If so, why?
Working memory refers to short-term use of memory and attention. Basically it’s a skills-set which assists in keeping information in mind while utilising that information to complete or execute tasks (hence the term Executive functioning).
Working memory allows us to do things such as planning ahead, solve problems, organize and pay attention. It can be “split” in 2 categories -
Executive weaknesses, in other words, is part of the definition of ADHD. Not all children with ADHD struggle with all executive skills, though. But most have impairments in one or more executive skills while some of them sometimes, are strong in others.
Executive skills impairment is also implicated in e.g. problems on the autistic spectrum, brain damage, alzheimer, stroke, chronic alcoholism or drug abuse, and more. Short term working memory impairment for example, can also occur after surgery or other traumatic experiences. For this reason, I would suggest to keep reading, as, even if you or your child does not suffer with ADHD, you might benefit from this Blogging.
Some but not all executive skills entail –
(For more understandable descriptions of executive functions, take a look at e.g. http://www.learningworksforkids.com.)
Executive functions are directly related to academic performance (often also, social performance and relationships*) with the result that we sometimes only realise the spectrum of problems the child struggles with, at mid-school. Executive functions play a role in many academic tasks such as reading fluency, written content, math computations, note-taking, reading, comprehension, note-taking and so forth. As schoolwork becomes more demanding and scholars are required to become more independent (e.g. doing homework and tasks themselves without Mum or Dad getting panic attacks and staying up all night before to complete the [forgotten] assignment on their behalf…) those who struggle with executive skills fall further and further behind.
At this stage I do wish to make the following comment –simply trying to address skills development without also addressing the underlying neurological deficit, might drive parents or educators to ADHD experiences themselves! ADHD is a neurological problem which includes a dys-regulated attention system (You might find the ADHD being able to focus for hours on end doing something he loves, but not being able to pay attention to tasks or homework. The so-called hyper-focus).
Medication is therefore required, to regulate attention span before the child can even begin to start learning. Medication alone, however, does not address the required skills and development. Addressing ADHD therefore, requires a multi-faceted approach which includes addressing the biological factors.
The hopeful news is:
Recent (in my terminology, not older than 10 -15 years) research and statistics support that improving working memory can automatically benefit the other executive functions. You might ask why? Improving working memory automatically spills over to the other sorely needed cognitive functions, which is required for further more advanced skills to be learned. With additional benefits, such as self-esteem and addressing accompanying mood disorders. Improving working memory, can therefore also assist in further interventions which otherwise might not have been possible.
Such program are expensive, and hard to come by. For those who cannot afford professional support in this regard, I have found some promising App’s and other programs parents can utilise for their children.
Free online games that practice memory-building skills (rather for teenagers and adults) –
(click on the links to be directed to the sites)
A (free) Memorise App was recently developed by Dr. Jonathan Reed, clinical psychologist and child neuropsychologist. Memorise is a motivational, fun game with benefits. It has some built in rewards, adjusts according to the individual’s level of functioning, rewards as such that the individual never loses hope but prefers to continue with the game. With a training report to monitor progress.
Another fun and effective Neurogame freely available from Dr Jonathan Reed, focuses on attention and self control (all ages). As with his other products, training progress can be monitored using the App features. “Impulse Control” (iTunes) is also available for iPhone and iPad.
I attempt to suggest “fun” programs because, if these games are not fun as well, no-one, especially not children or teenagers, would want to continue doing it (while targeted patients already struggle with procrastination and lack of follow through…?) In particular, I also would want a program which does not require me to read a 3000 page guide beforehand. I would want an easy to use program.
Of course, these App’s and programs only work if done regularly. In general, 15-20 minutes per day is sufficient over 5-10 weeks for vast improvement.
The brain is quite “plastic”. As I am not a neuropsychologist myself, I do not possess to present all the technical terms here. I think though, I understand enough to say that if one section of the brain does not function properly, another section can, to an extent, be developed to compensate for needed functionality and thus, to overcome obstacles.
All suggested App’s therefore can help - but only with regular playing. And, as usual with any program I ever suggest, the games are based upon neuropsychological theories behind these functions.
At a later stage, I might suggest where you can use these programs… (in the back of the car while driving long distances, while having family disciplinary meetings…in front of the TV… Let’s face it, your child is already sms’ing or bbm’ing or what’s upping or underneath the table or where you can’t see it…!) Actually, I would love parents to add suggestions, where such programs can be used? (E.g. one parent already volunteered that his son prefers to use the tree house at 2300 at night to do his “homework”?)
But please mind: However, whichever App you use, also get professional input.
*For Social skills App’s: see Blogging dated 16/07/2013: “Great social skills APPS that work - Especially for special needs children)”
Disclaimer:
Working memory refers to short-term use of memory and attention. Basically it’s a skills-set which assists in keeping information in mind while utilising that information to complete or execute tasks (hence the term Executive functioning).
Working memory allows us to do things such as planning ahead, solve problems, organize and pay attention. It can be “split” in 2 categories -
- Auditory working memory (the sound, or phonological system): children with weakness in this type of working memory will struggle to follow a multi-step set of oral instructions even if they do understand what is expected from them. They struggle to remember the instructions even while working with them (Required for e.g. learning language and comprehension).
- Visual-spatial working memory uses a kind of visual “sketching” in the brain. It allows you to picture something, to keep it in your “mind’s eye (Required for math, remembering patterns, images and sequences).
Executive weaknesses, in other words, is part of the definition of ADHD. Not all children with ADHD struggle with all executive skills, though. But most have impairments in one or more executive skills while some of them sometimes, are strong in others.
Executive skills impairment is also implicated in e.g. problems on the autistic spectrum, brain damage, alzheimer, stroke, chronic alcoholism or drug abuse, and more. Short term working memory impairment for example, can also occur after surgery or other traumatic experiences. For this reason, I would suggest to keep reading, as, even if you or your child does not suffer with ADHD, you might benefit from this Blogging.
Some but not all executive skills entail –
- Impulsivity
- Emotion regulation
- Self-monitoring, metacognition
- Planning, setting goals
- Task initiation, procrastination and the ability to complete tasks
- Organisational skills including forgetfulness
- Rigidity versus flexibility (e.g. to adjust planning or routines)
(For more understandable descriptions of executive functions, take a look at e.g. http://www.learningworksforkids.com.)
Executive functions are directly related to academic performance (often also, social performance and relationships*) with the result that we sometimes only realise the spectrum of problems the child struggles with, at mid-school. Executive functions play a role in many academic tasks such as reading fluency, written content, math computations, note-taking, reading, comprehension, note-taking and so forth. As schoolwork becomes more demanding and scholars are required to become more independent (e.g. doing homework and tasks themselves without Mum or Dad getting panic attacks and staying up all night before to complete the [forgotten] assignment on their behalf…) those who struggle with executive skills fall further and further behind.
At this stage I do wish to make the following comment –simply trying to address skills development without also addressing the underlying neurological deficit, might drive parents or educators to ADHD experiences themselves! ADHD is a neurological problem which includes a dys-regulated attention system (You might find the ADHD being able to focus for hours on end doing something he loves, but not being able to pay attention to tasks or homework. The so-called hyper-focus).
Medication is therefore required, to regulate attention span before the child can even begin to start learning. Medication alone, however, does not address the required skills and development. Addressing ADHD therefore, requires a multi-faceted approach which includes addressing the biological factors.
The hopeful news is:
Recent (in my terminology, not older than 10 -15 years) research and statistics support that improving working memory can automatically benefit the other executive functions. You might ask why? Improving working memory automatically spills over to the other sorely needed cognitive functions, which is required for further more advanced skills to be learned. With additional benefits, such as self-esteem and addressing accompanying mood disorders. Improving working memory, can therefore also assist in further interventions which otherwise might not have been possible.
Such program are expensive, and hard to come by. For those who cannot afford professional support in this regard, I have found some promising App’s and other programs parents can utilise for their children.
Free online games that practice memory-building skills (rather for teenagers and adults) –
(click on the links to be directed to the sites)
A (free) Memorise App was recently developed by Dr. Jonathan Reed, clinical psychologist and child neuropsychologist. Memorise is a motivational, fun game with benefits. It has some built in rewards, adjusts according to the individual’s level of functioning, rewards as such that the individual never loses hope but prefers to continue with the game. With a training report to monitor progress.
Another fun and effective Neurogame freely available from Dr Jonathan Reed, focuses on attention and self control (all ages). As with his other products, training progress can be monitored using the App features. “Impulse Control” (iTunes) is also available for iPhone and iPad.
I attempt to suggest “fun” programs because, if these games are not fun as well, no-one, especially not children or teenagers, would want to continue doing it (while targeted patients already struggle with procrastination and lack of follow through…?) In particular, I also would want a program which does not require me to read a 3000 page guide beforehand. I would want an easy to use program.
Of course, these App’s and programs only work if done regularly. In general, 15-20 minutes per day is sufficient over 5-10 weeks for vast improvement.
The brain is quite “plastic”. As I am not a neuropsychologist myself, I do not possess to present all the technical terms here. I think though, I understand enough to say that if one section of the brain does not function properly, another section can, to an extent, be developed to compensate for needed functionality and thus, to overcome obstacles.
All suggested App’s therefore can help - but only with regular playing. And, as usual with any program I ever suggest, the games are based upon neuropsychological theories behind these functions.
At a later stage, I might suggest where you can use these programs… (in the back of the car while driving long distances, while having family disciplinary meetings…in front of the TV… Let’s face it, your child is already sms’ing or bbm’ing or what’s upping or underneath the table or where you can’t see it…!) Actually, I would love parents to add suggestions, where such programs can be used? (E.g. one parent already volunteered that his son prefers to use the tree house at 2300 at night to do his “homework”?)
But please mind: However, whichever App you use, also get professional input.
*For Social skills App’s: see Blogging dated 16/07/2013: “Great social skills APPS that work - Especially for special needs children)”
Disclaimer:
- I do not receive any financial compensation for any suggested sites or programs.
- It is not the purpose of this particular Blogging to name each and every skill or particular Remed possibilities.
- I do not suggest this Blogging content to replace professional guidance or intervention programs. I repeat – ADHD, or anyone who struggles with Executive functions, need to be enrolled in a multi-disciplinary intervention program. I am simply always and continuously, trying to find programs which parents can utilise at home on primary interventional level, especially those who live far from professional assistance or those who cannot afford it.
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