Executive Function and Organization (OCALI)

Description:

Executive Function and Organization - Students with ASD often have a very uneven learning profile. For example, they may have excellent long-term and rote memory abilities but have executive function deficits. Executive function challenges can include difficulties with general organization and planning skills, problems with impulsivity and problem-solving, and challenges with goal completion. Common learning challenges and possible accommodations and supports include:

• Providing notes or review sheets
• Using work checklists to complete assignments
• Setting deadlines for completion of portions of projects along the way
• Hands-on learning, models, demonstrations, and other visual modalities
• Extra time for tests
• Separate “quiet” place for taking tests
• Use of calendars to record events, deadlines, reminders
• Use of phones or portable media players w/alarms and reminders
• Cameras to gather visual reminders of locations, materials, etc.
• Portable audio recorders to quickly record thoughts and ideas in the moment
• Organizational tools, both high- and low-tech (PDAs, computers, syncing electronic calendars, binder, folders, notebooks, etc.)