Register for the Autism DRIVE online resources directory
UPDATE to our next Virtual Live Event
Executive Functioning:
It’s more than organization!

UPDATE
*this event has been rescheduled to the following week*

Thursday, August 13 , 2020
3:00 - 3:45 PM
Virtual Live Event

Executive functioning skills can be challenging for children and adults on the autism spectrum to master. These include: planning ahead, problem solving, thinking in hypotheticals, staying organized, and being flexible. T his interactive webinar will discuss commonly seen executive functioning difficulties, tips to improve executive functioning abilities, and resources to support learning new executive functioning skills for individuals on the autism spectrum.

To Register: Click Here

*Password now required*
Please see registration link for password now required by Zoom.
After you register, you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting and an appointment for your calendar. If you do not have Zoom installed on your computer or mobile device, please do so prior to the event at https://zoom.us/download
Meet the presenter
Rose Nevill, PhD, BCBA is the Research Assistant Professor of Education and Director of the UVA Autism Research Core. Rose is interested in applied research with individuals with autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan. Specifically, Rose has conducted research on methods for effectively screening for autism in early childhood, early developmental profiles of autism, and identifying and treating comorbid behavioral, mental, and physical health concerns in people with autism. Read more about Rose.
5 Tips to Support Executive Functioning Skills
  • Start easy, and then work up. Before starting to work on building executive skills, observe your loved one to figure out where they are. You can then build upon foundational skills they already have, which can foster feelings of success early on and motivate future efforts to acquire more advanced skills. 
  • Break it down. Since executive functioning skills require a lot of abstract thought, they can be uncomfortable or difficult for someone on the spectrum. Help your loved one by simplifying tasks and making them as concrete as possible - use visuals, draw and color coding scenarios, or use physical objects as models to practice problem solving. 
  • Is there a problem with skills or motivation? Sometimes it can be difficult to decide if your loved one doesn’t have the core executive skills or if they are unmotivated (“My son isn’t tidying his room – is it because he has a tough time getting organized or is unmotivated to clean up?”). Do a little detective work by observing other areas of their life where this skill is consistently weak. Talk with your loved one to devise a mutual solution before assuming they are unmotivated. 
  • Reward positive executive skills. Build behavioral goals into your loved one’s day to highlight when they are displaying their executive skills, such as keeping homework organized. Continue to reward those skills until they internalize that motivation for themselves. 
  • Be patient! Since executive skills touch on so many different parts of autism, it may be easy at times to lose patience. Remember that executive functioning is at the core of many difficulties individuals with autism have when interacting with the outside world. Your loved one will thank you for being patient and supporting them through their growth in this area.
Resources
  • The Understood Team at understood.org has created a collection of executive function strategies that you can try at home. They offer a wide variety of strategies from bedtime checklists to 2-min backpack organizational tutorials.
  • Drs. Peg Dawson and Richard Guare have written a series of books for caregivers and professionals on strategies to promote executive functioning from childhood through adulthood. Their book series, Smart but Scattered, presents strategies on identifying executive strengths, weaknesses, and corresponding strategies that can be used to boost functioning and independence.
  • Musings of an Aspie is a blog that discusses one woman’s journey with autism. She has a 4 part series on executive functioning from the perspective of an individual on the spectrum.
Get Connected and Learn
Important links:
Recorded previous virtual events available on Facebook and Autism DRIVE:
  • "Managing Behaviors at Home" with Rose Nevill, PhD, BCBA
  • "Juggling Work and School at Home" with Gail Lovette, PhD and Rose Nevill, PhD, BCBA
  • "Physical Activity and Stress Reduction" with Martin Block, PhD
  • "Autism & Anxiety: Finding Comfort" with Erica Rouch, PhD
  • "Finding Community: Sharing your Unique Interests to Connect with Others" with Matt MacDavid
  • "Autism: Challenging Behaviors and Use of Medication" with Beth Ellen Davis, MD, MPH
  • "It Happens! Helping Navigate Common but Uncomfortable Hygiene Issues in Individuals with ASD" with Emily Meltzer Istavan, MS, OTR/L
  • "IEPs, 504s, LRE...OH MY! Taking a Walk Down the Special Education Road" with Genevieve Bohac, PhD; Renee Adair, MS, BCBA; and Alison Shaner, MS
  • "Embedding ABA into Daily Activities" with Natalie Badgett, PhD, BCBA-D
  • "Growing Up with Autism" with Adam Blalock and Faith Painter
  • "Beyond Counting Sheep: Helping Your Child with Autism Get a Good Night's Sleep" with Micah Mazurek, PhD
  • "Autism & Allyship: How to Take Action" with Amber Hardin, BA
  • "Learning Literacy: Reading and writing strategies for children with autism" with Matt Zajic, PhD and Alyssa Henry, PhD
Current Research Studies
For health and safety reasons, there have been changes to all currently enrolling research studies. Click here to find the status of your study.
ADI-R Interviews

The Supporting Transformative Autism Research (STAR) Initiative at UVA is seeking parents of individuals with autism to participate in a 2-3 hour interview using the Autism Diagnostic Interview- Revised (ADI-R). Interviews will be conducted via Zoom or phone with a STAR research trainee.

 In appreciation, a digital  $50 gift card  will be emailed to you after the interview. If interested, please contact Emily Meltzer , STAR Research Specialist.
Changes in daily living and functioning associated with COVID-19 quarantine in families with children with autism spectrum disorder

Quarantine and social-distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in the daily lives of children and families. This online survey study investigates how the pandemic is impacting daily functioning in families with children 18 or under (with and without autism). Parents and caregivers can enter a drawing for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. To participate in this survey click here  .
About STAR
The mission of the UVA Supporting Transformative Autism Research (STAR) initiative is to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families through research, education, and outreach. STAR brings together researchers, community partners, individuals with autism, and their families to leverage strengths and address challenges. Our ultimate goal is to empower individuals with autism, their families, and their communities to achieve positive outcomes and quality of life.

Register for the Autism DRIVE online resources directory
University of Virginia
Curry School of Education and Human Development
417 Emmet Street South
Charlottesville, VA 22904