Date/Location:

December 7, 2023

Description:

Executive Function Skills are the skills needed for a person to self-regulate their own actions and emotions, and language is needed to grow and develop these skills. While the ability to learn executive function skills is innate, the skills themselves are not. They are obtained through exposure to the skill being demonstrated, engaging in activities where the skill is used, and repeated practice as the skill develops. Individuals who use Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) systems often don’t have the same exposure to these experiences, and when they do their language development may lag behind neurotypical peers. We know that individuals who use AAC often need explicit teaching and putting an executive function focus on vocabulary and daily activities will support the development of these skills. Vocabulary needs to be targeted to give the AAC user the language they need to execute these skills. Evidence-based AAC strategies should be used with the individual while putting an executive function lens on choosing vocabulary targets. To do this effectively, educational staff needs to understand executive function skills, what they look like when the skill is a strength or an area of need, and how they impact daily living.

Speakers:

Paige Buckingham, M.S.

Learning Outcomes:

Identify the connection between language development and executive function skills.

Employ purposeful executive function skill teaching when using an AAC system.

Prepare vocabulary to target different executive function skills.

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CEUs This activity is offered for up to 0.1 CEUs (1.0 hour of instruction). To register for CEUs:  

Download and complete the following forms.

Save the files names: 231207_CTG_Lastname_Firstname

Send both files to ceus@aacinstitute.org

Upon completion of the two forms and passing the quiz, a CEU certificate will be sent

Note: If any difficulty is encountered in using this form, write to ceus@aacinstitute.org to request an alternative file format.