Executive Function Scaffolding

REEL Team
Jul 15
3 min read

Updated: Jul 24

Ever wonder why your brilliant child struggles with seemingly simple tasks? If you're a parent of a twice-exceptional (2e) child, you know this feeling well. It's a common question in our community, and the answer often lies in executive function overwhelm. It's not about "dumbing things down" for 2e kids; it's about finding an accessible "way in" that aligns with how their unique brain operates. This video dives into the power of scaffolding – not as a crutch, but as a bridge that connects your child's strengths to challenging tasks. We illustrate this with a common morning routine struggle and show how identifying executive function challenges (like working memory and task initiation) and leveraging strengths (like being highly visual and thriving with autonomy) can lead to breakthroughs. Learn how a simple visual checklist can shift dynamics, build confidence, and foster independence. Ready to try this at home? Download our "Can We Figure Out a Different Way?" worksheet to identify a repeatable challenge, examine it through an executive function lens, and brainstorm strength-based solutions. You might be amazed at how quickly the tone can shift when the support truly fits your child. Get your worksheet here:https://www.reel2e.org/post/ef-tasks-can-we-figure-out-a-different-way Find more resources and join our community at REEL: www.reel2e.org

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Hi! I'm Teresa from REEL.

If you've ever found yourself asking or thinking "they're clearly smart, so why is this so hard for them?", you're not alone. This question comes up all the time in our small group discussions and within the community of parents of twice exceptional kids.

And often the answer might involve executive function overwhelm. The answer isn't about ability. It's about accessibility. 2e kids don't usually need things dumbed down. They need a different way in. They need a path that actually works for how their brain operates. That's where scaffolding comes in. Not to rescue or replace effort, but to build a bridge, something that connects the tasks and the child's strengths.

In our workshops, we talk about what that can look like in everyday life, and we created the Can We Figure Out a Different Way, worksheet, to help with this process.

Here's an example.

A parent shares with us that their child could talk all day about their favorite animals, build incredible Lego models from memory and more. But every morning getting out the door was a complete battle. The routine was the same every day: get dressed, brush teeth, pack bag. But it never happened without reminders, arguments, and running late.

Together, we looked at what executive function challenges or struggles were at play and seemed to be holding the child back.

First, we decided to focus on working memory. This child couldn't hold on to all the steps, especially when there were distractions. Second, task initiation. Starting the 1st step often seemed to feel overwhelming, especially without structure. But we also looked at the child's strengths. They're highly visual and loved making signs, drawings, and comic strips, and they thrive given autonomy. And this is when they get to decide about the tasks and their order, it helps them feel confident and in control. So we brainstormed, stormed scaffolds built on those strengths. They created a visual checklist of their morning steps, with drawings that they made themselves, one drawing per task.

Each task was a magnet, and every morning they chose the order, giving them control over the sequence without changing the goals. And eventually the parent will only ask once, what's your 1st magnet today?

However, depending on your child and the situation, parental support and scaffolding may need to gradually be removed over time. That simple scaffold, visual, flexible strength base can completely shift the dynamic. The child can start initiating their own, and the chaos can drop, and they may feel more confident and independent.

And that's what scaffolding can do. Not just help the child complete the task, but help them feel capable of doing it. So if you'd like to try this at home, download the Can We Figure Out a Different Way worksheet. Think of one frustrating moment in the day.

Not the biggest one, just a small, repeatable challenge and keep it simple.

Use the worksheet to look at it through the lens of executive functioning challenges and struggles along with your child's strengths. You might be surprised at how quickly the tone can shift when the support fits your child. It's not just supporting executive functioning. We're building confidence, connection, and momentum.

Don't forget there are many more resources at REEL and join our community to brainstorm more. You're not alone on this journey.

Thanks for joining us.