How ESDM Supports Executive Functioning Delays

We’re up to Round 2 of “Executive Functioning,” for our previous blogpost, check out the information here. To quickly recap, executive functioning skills are our ability to control our attention, focus, exercise self-control and problem solve. Now that we know what these skills are, we can explore what delays in this area mean for development in the early stages of life.

Executive Function

Challenges for Children with Delays

Delays in executive functioning skills can lead to challenges in maintaining attention, transitioning and multi-tasking. More broadly speaking, these delays are linked to a variety of emotional, behavioural and social functions. The presence of executive functioning delays is a common sign of an underlying neurodevelopmental disorder, such as autism spectrum disorder (Autism) or attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).

Differences Between ADHD and Autism

Early research into executive functioning delays and neurodevelopmental orders suggested distinct differences in the types of delays seen, especially between Autism and ADHD. However, new evidence suggests commonalities across all neurodevelopmental disorders in relation to executive functioning delays. This suggests that all children experiencing a neurodevelopmental delay stand to benefit from supports that aim to enhance executive functioning skills.

How the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Can Help

Building Attention and Focus

ESDM Practitioners begin building rapport with their clients by engaging in preferred play and staying in the child’s spotlight of attention. Once this relationship is founded, practitioners can change up the preferred play to extend the length of time a child remains motivated and interested in play. This allows a child to build up their attentional capacity, a primary executive functioning skill.

Providing Structure

The ESDM structure of play involves setting up an activity that aligns with the child’s spotlight of attention, building on this theme together and closing down the activity to transition to something new. This routine repeated throughout sessions gives children the opportunity to develop working memory and flexibility.

Turn Taking

By following the child’s lead and imitating their play, ESDM Practitioners are able to create play themes with natural turn taking opportunities, which can be a very challenging skill for a child with executive functioning delays. This gives children the opportunity to develop self-control in a supportive, safe environment.

Executive functioning delays affect one’s ability to control their attention, regulate emotions and to problem solve. Children with neurodevelopmental delays such as Autism or ADHD are likely to experience delays in executive functioning skills. ESDM can directly target these delays, providing a child-led, play-based environment for children to strengthen these skill sets.

Further Reading:

·       What are executive functioning delays? Research Shows They Are Similar in ADHD and Autism

·       Sadozai, A. K., Sun, C., Demetriou, E. A., Lampit, A., Munro, M., Perry, N.,…Guastella, A. J. (2024). Executive function in children with neurodevelopmental conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nature Human Behaviour. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-02000-9