Executive Function
Executive functions are the skills that help us focus attention, set and stick to a plan, control our impulses, and juggle multiple projects. All of these are critical to achievement at school, work, and in life. The multiple and simultaneous demands of a classroom, household or busy office require effective executive function.
Children and Executive Function
Your child’s backpack is a mess. Their planner isn’t used and homework can’t be found. Instructions from the classroom are forgotten. Planners are meant to help students get organized, but without good executive function, it’s nearly impossible to learn how to use them effectively.
The lack of organization triggers a downward spiral. Negative self-messaging about forgetting the homework and negative feedback from behavior in the classroom result in not being valued as an individual, as a student. Low self-esteem and lack of confidence often follow.
Adults and Executive Function
Adults have similar, just more grown up, versions of this scenario. They may have great ideas in a meeting but struggle with the follow through. Their desk is like the backpack! It’s difficult and stressful to meet deadlines and thousands of dollars are spent on organizational tools.
How does iLs help Executive Functioning?
Dreampad
The good night’s sleep that results from using the Dreampad improves our mood and our state and with those, our ability to control our impulses and focus our attention.
Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
Without an appropriate physiological state, we just can’t access our executive functions. The SSP is a five-day intervention that helps with autonomic regulation and improves high level functions like problem solving, planning and behavioral control.
Focus System
The filtered music and specific movement activities of the Focus System programs encourage the integration of sensory input, leading to more efficient brain function and energy to the prefrontal cortex – the area of the brain responsible for executive functioning.
HOW IT WORKS
Music, Multisensory Input & Movement
Brain & Body Organization
My Best Self
All iLs systems come with supervision, either from your current iLs-trained therapist or from an iLs-employed coach who can work remotely with clients who don’t have an iLs provider in their area. You can find an iLs Provider here or contact us to locate someone in your area.
The goal is not a quick fix; it’s lasting change.
Videos
Dr. Stephen Porges describes how the SSP provides the “neural platform for neuroplasticity” and “better access to executive and cognitive functions”.