The Impulsive, Disorganized Child: Solutions for Parenting Kids With Executive Functioning Difficulties

by James W. Forgan, Mary Anne Richey

Overview

Impulsive, scattered, lost, unfocused, unprepared, disorganized: These are just a few of the words used to describe kids with executive functioning deficits, which commonly affect many children already diagnosed with ADHD, learning disabilities, and autism. The Impulsive, Disorganized Child: Solutions for Parenting Kids with Executive Functioning Difficulties helps parents pinpoint weak executive functions in their children, then learn how to help their kids overcome these deficits with practical, easy solutions. Children who can't select, plan, initiate, or sustain action toward their goals are children who simply struggle to succeed in school and other aspects of life. Parents need the helpful, proven advice and interactive surveys and action plans in this book to empower them to take positive action to teach their disorganized, impulsive child to achieve independence, success, and a level of self-support.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781618214010
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/01/2015
Pages:	280
Sales rank:	1,045,293
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Jim Forgan, Ph.D., is an associate professor and Licensed School Psychologist. He teaches others how to teach and assess children with ADHD and other types of learning disabilities at Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, FL. In private practice, he works with families of children with ADHD and other learning differences. Jim consults with public and private schools doing workshops on ADHD, dyslexia, problem solving, and accommodations for learning disabilities. He is also the parent of a young son with ADHD. Mary Anne is a licensed school psychologist in private practice. She also has experience as a middle school teacher, administrator, high school guidance counselor, and adjunct college instructor.

Table of Contents

Introduction xi

Chapter 1 The Big Deal About Executive Functioning 1

Chapter 2 General Support for Executive Functioning Difficulties 17

Chapter 3 Holding Back Impulses 37

Chapter 4 Keeping Information in Working Memory 55

Chapter 5 Shifting, Being Flexible, and Regulating Emotion 79

Chapter 6 Focusing and Self-Monitoring 101

Chapter 7 Not Just Ordinary Organizing 121

Chapter 8 Managing Time 137

Chapter 9 Taking Action 155

Chapter 10 Sustaining Effort 175

Chapter 11 Planning, Problem Solving, Goal Setting, and Using Critical Thinking 191

Chapter 12 Children With Two Homes 209

Chapter 13 Looking Forward 221

References 231

Appendix 235

About the Authors 257

Editorial Reviews

If you are a parent looking for straight-forward solutions to help your disorganized child, this incredibly user-friendly resource is the guidebook you've been seeking. Whether you're tackling issues at home, at school or in the community, Forgan and Richey organize Executive Function challenges so clearly that you can easily target one problem at a time for kids age 4-12—and take immediate action. The “Suggestions for the Teacher” in each chapter are a terrific bonus to copy and share with each year's new school team.,Elaine Taylor-Klaus, CPCC, PCC,ImpactADHD, 3/23/15
If you have a student, or know a parent who has a child with Executive Function Difficulties, I would highly suggest this book. The authors James Forgan, Ph.D., and Mary Anne Richey have organized this book perfectly. Each chapter is broken down into a short self-reflection survey, details and research about the aspect they are explaining, how to help your child at home, school, in the community, and how to use their strengths and technology. They also have a short list of books that would be good to read with your child that they can relate to, along with suggestions for the classroom teacher. They also include some ideas of apps, and websites that will help your child in various ways.,Jeffrey Shoemaker, Gifted Intervention Specialist, 4/15/15
I was impressed by the level of research that went into this book. Neuroscience has come a long way in the past several decades. If you are the parent of an impulsive, disorganized child as I was, you will find solace and strategies for coping with your child's behavior.,Lisa Conrad, Gifted Education Advocate, 3/29/15

From the Publisher

★ 05/15/2015
If you have a child with executive functioning issues, you probably look just like the kid on this book's cover (exasperated). While commonly diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other learning disabilities, kids with organizational problems are not necessarily "on the spectrum," and there are many things we can do to help them foster important skills. School psychologists Forgan and Richey give parents and teachers clear examples, relevant research, and tips for leveraging strengths. Each chapter begins with a "self-reflection survey" showing how the lack of executive functioning can impede progress in school and at home, followed by action points to assist parents and teachers to move a child on to greater success. VERDICT The advice presented has practical context and gives specifics for action. Using the "SMART" model (goals should be: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely), kids can join their parents in improving impulse control and organization.

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