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A Workbook to Make Unstuck and On Target! a Way of Life: Your Guide to Executive Functioning! A Workbook to Make Unstuck and On Target a Way of Life: Your Guide to Executive Functioning! ​ This resource was written as a companion for families and caregivers of children in Unstuck and On Target classes and helps explain how to make the most out of these lessons at home.

Unstuck and On Target at the 2023 PCORI Annual Meeting Thank you for joining us! See below for more about the information presented in the symposium and use the menu at the top of the page to learn about everything Unstuck . Don't forget to enter your email at the bottom of the page to sign up for our mailing list so we can keep you updated about upcoming projects and resources. Symposium Slides Want to review the information presented at the conference? You can access our slides below. Parent Videos Check out our videos that provide information and practical strategies that parents can immediately use to support their neurodivergent child’s executive functions. Interventionist Training Learn about the Unstuck and On Target for Elementary online training

NEW Curriculum for Middle School Aged (11-15) Students! 45-minute lessons taught in small groups in any setting. Easy to implement lessons can be delivered in general and special education classrooms, pull-out groups, or after-school clubs. Taught by using catchy scripts, memorable visuals, engaging role-plays, and fun planning activities. For Sale at Broo kes or Amazon ​ Curriculum includes: 23 lessons on topics that are key to success in school and life: flexibility, big-picture thinking, planning, compromising, and self-monitoring PowerPoints and fillable PDF s for student work Why Unstuck ? ​ This curriculum is specially designed to help middle school students build the strong executive function skills they need to manage more complex independent work. Supports students with 504's or IEP as a Tier 2 or 3 intervention. Resources for Implementers Click below to learn more about each of the resources. Unstuck and On Target! Curriculum for Students Ages 8-11 ​ An executive function curriculum to improve flexibility, planning, and organization through 21 small group lessons and fun activities Online Training for Unstuck and On Target! Elementary Curriculum ​ Learn how to implement Unstuck with your students through an asynchronous online training course Unstuck and On Target! FAQ ​ Troubleshoot frequent group challenges like, "I'm worried I'm doing it wrong." Unstuck and On Target! Coaching Sessions for Teachers ​ Three one hour webinars with Unstuck authors on teaching Unstuck and troubleshooting. ​ e-Unstuck ​ Online Unstuck and On Target training modules for parents Solving Executive Function Challenges A how-to book for parents and educators A Workbook to Make Unstuck and On Target a Way of Life: Your Guide to Executive Functioning! ​ This resource was written as a companion for families and caregivers of children in Unstuck and On Target classes and helps explain how to make the most out of these lessons at home. 3 Ways to Compromise ​ Printable poster with visual of the three ways to compromise.

Resources for the Neurodivergent Community This self paced interactive e-learning course will : Empower parents to use Unstuck strategies promoting generalization Provide parents with an individualized set of insights and recommendations for their child,, including things to share with other caregivers, teachers, and community members ​ These short videos provide: Quick easy tips for supporting children Parent-parent tips, wisdom and experiences Experts answering common parent questions Estos videos cortos proporcionan: Padres que comparten su sabiduría y experiencias. Expertos que responden preguntas comunes de los padres Find Downloadable Resources for: Handouts for teachers Visuals for Parents Infographics Posters

Resources for Families Click below to learn more about each of the resources. Unstuck and On Target! Curriculum for Students Ages 8-11 ​ An executive function curriculum to improve flexibility, planning, and organization through 21 small group lessons and fun activities e-Unstuck for Elementary ​ Online Unstuck and On Target training modules for parents Solving Executive Function Challenges (for Elementary) A how-to book for parents and educators A Workbook to Make Unstuck and On Target a Way of Life: Your Guide to Executive Functioning! (for Elementary) ​ This resource was written as a companion for families and caregivers of children in Unstuck and On Target classes and helps explain how to make the most out of these lessons at home. 3 Ways to Compromise ​ Printable poster with visual of the three ways to compromise. Unstuck Elementary Fast Facts ​ One page document summarizing the Unstuck: audience, research, and outcomes. Useful for parents and administrators to easily answer the question, "What is and Why Unstuck ?" Unstuck News and Events ​ This is a developing resource where the calendar will show Unstuck related events (email us with a group you're starting!) and resources community based providers want to share!

Unstuck and On Target for Families Unstuck teaches families simple strategies that build executive functioning and help children and teens regulate their feelings and behavior. It supports a calmer and more flexible household. Unstuck provides a vocabulary for improving flexibility, organization, and planning that teachers, therapists, parents, and youth can all share. ​​​ It gives families that are feeling stuck more choices and opportunities to work together to prevent meltdowns and have more fun. ​ Why are Executive Functions Important? Executive functioning is a set of brain-based abilities that help us set goals, make plans, manage disappointment, and stay flexible in the face of unexpected events. Executive functioning enables us to stick with challenges without getting overwhelmed. They drive social skills, predict success at school and long term happiness, employment, and health. ​ Why is Unstuck Worth Your Time? Video: A parent discusses the value of Unstuck Let's listen to a parent, Troy Ridgeway, talk about how understanding the Unstuck principles helped him to manage his own stress and identify with his son. ​ Video courtesy of www.unstuckontarget.com Watch more videos Testimonials "Unstuck has changed the way our family interacts. We now all use the scripts and we have a common language that we really try to use in both good and bad times. You know it's working when your child tells you that you are stuck...and you are!" ​"We went through the Unstuck and On Target curriculum and parent training and couldn't believe how much we learned. For the first time, things made sense and we actually knew what to do. We give the Solving Executive Functions book to everyone who works with our child- and as baby presents for new parents!" "Our child is the Unstuck poster child. He really struggles with transitions or changes, hates when people break the rules and is haphazard about his schoolwork. But Unstuck brings us to the table together. We are able to systematically preview things for him and he is really learning that there is always a Plan B. Thank you for helping us see our son was more flexible than we realized and for teaching us how to support him in his growth."

Research on Unstuck and On Target Peer reviewed papers Dickson, K.S., Galligan, M.L., Holt, T., Anthony, L.G., Kenworthy, L., & Brookman-Frazee, L. (in press). Incorporating Community Dickson, K.S., Galligan, M.L., Holt, T., Anthony, L.G., Kenworthy, L., & Brookman-Frazee, L. (in press). Incorporating Community Perspectives to Inform the Scaling-Out of an Evidence-Based Executive Functioning Intervention from Schools to Community Mental Health Settings. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Advanced Online ​ Kenworthy L, Childress D, Armour AC, Verbalis A, Zhang A, Troxel M, Handsman R, Kocher K, Myrick Y, Werner M, Alexander KC, Cannon L, Anthony LG. Leveraging technology to make parent training more accessible: Randomized trial of in-person versus online executive function training for parents of autistic children. Autism. 2022 Aug 2:13623613221111212. doi: 10.1177/13623613221111212. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35916246. ​ Rothschild LB, Ratto AB, Kenworthy L, Hardy KK, Verbalis A, Pugliese C, Strang JF, Safer-Lichtenstein J, Anthony BJ, Anthony LG, Guter MM, Haaga DAF. Parents matter: Parent acceptance of school-based executive functions interventions relates to improved child outcomes. J Clin Psychol. Jul;78(7):1388-1406. doi: 10.1002/jclp.23309. Epub 2022 Jan 8. PMID: 34997971; PMCID: PMC9203869. ​ Swain, D, Troxel, M, Anthony, LG, Kenworthy, L, Verbalis, A, Hardy, KK, Ratto, A, Myrick, Y, & Anthony, B (2021). School-based executive function interventions reduce caregiver strain. International Review of Research in Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.irrdd.2021.08.001 ​ Dickson, KS, Kenworthy, L, Anthony, LG, & Brookman-Frazee, L Mental health therapist perspectives on the role of executive functioning in children’s mental health services. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. 2022 Advanced Online Publication. doi: 10.1080/23794925.2021.2013142 ​ Kenworthy, L*, Anthony, LG*, Naiman, DQ, Cannon, L, Wills, MC, Werner, MA, Alexander, K, Strang, J, Bal, E, Sokoloff, JL, & Wallace, GL (2014). Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial of Executive Function Invention for Children on the Autism Spectrum. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 55:374-83. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12161 *Joint first authors ​ Ratto, AB, Anthony, BJ, Pugliese, C, Mendez, R, Safer-Lichtenstein, J, Dudley, KM, Kahn, NF, Kenworthy, L, Biel, M, Martucci, JL, & Anthony, LG (2017). Lessons learned: Engaging culturally diverse families in neurodevelopmental disorders intervention research. Autism, 21(5):622-34. DOI: 10.1177/1362361316650394. ​ Uddin, L.Q. Cognitive and behavioural flexibility: neural mechanisms and clinical considerations. Nat Rev Neurosci 22, 167–179 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-021-00428-w ​ Elias R, Murphy HG, Turner KA, White SW. Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of an Adapted Transdiagnostic Treatment for Children With Executive Function Deficits. J Cogn Psychother. 2019 Nov 1;33(4):343-356. doi: 10.1891/0889-8391.33.4.343. PMID: 32746396. ​ Weitlauf AS, McPheeters ML, Peters B, Sathe N, Travis R, Aiello R, Williamson E, Veenstra-VanderWeele J, Krishnaswami S, Jerome R, Warren Z. Therapies for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Behavioral Interventions Update. Comparative Effectiveness Review No. 137. (Prepared by the Vanderbilt Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-2012-00009-I.) AHRQ Publication No. 14-EHC036-EF. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; August 2014. www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/reports/final.cfm. ​ Peer reviewed presentations Kenworthy, L., *Pugliese, C., Hardy, K.K., *Strang, J., *Ratto, A.B., *Safer-Lichtenstein, J. Biel, M., *Seese, S., *Kraper, C., *Wills, M. C., *Luong-Tran, C., Cannon., Sharber, A.C., Anthony, B., and Anthony, L.G. (2018 February). Evidence for Cross-Diagnosis Efficacy of School-Based Unstuck and On Target Executive Function Intervention in Low Income Communities. In L. Kenworthy (Chair), Bringing Neuropsychology to the People: Transforming Our Knowledge of Executive Function (EF) Phenotypes into Effective Community-Based Interventions for Children.Symposium conducted at the Annual Meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society, Washington, DC. ​ Hardy KK,*Pugliese C, *Strang JF, *Ratto A, *Seese S, *Safer-Lichtenstein J, Sharber AC, *Luong-Tran C, Cannon L, *Wills M, Biel M, Anthony B, Anthony L, Kenworthy L. (2018, February). Applying contingency-based behavioral management strategies to treat cognitive inflexibility in children with ADHD and ASD: Development and efficacy of a school-based intervention in low-income communities. In L Kenworthy (Chair) Bringing Neuropsychology to the People: Transforming our Knowledge of Executive Function (EF) Phenotypes into Effective Community-Based Interventions for Children. Oral symposium presented at the International Neuropsychological Society 2018 Annual Meeting, Washington, DC. ​ *Ratto, A.B., Anthony, L.G., *Powers, M., Verbalis, A., *Seese, S., & Kenworthy, L. (2018, May). Effects of Dual-Language Exposure on Language and Executive Function in Children with ASD and ADHD. Presentation at an oral session at the Annual Meeting of the International Society for Autism Research, Rotterdam, Netherlands. ​ Anthony, L.G., Anthony, B., Verbalis, A., Naiman, D., *Ratto, A.B., *Seese, S., Safer-Lichtenstein, J., Skapek, M., *Powers, M., Troxel, M., Kenworthy, L. (2018, May). An Exploration of Possible Moderators in an Addressing Disparities Comparative Effectiveness Trial for Elementary Students with ASD or ADHD. In A. Gruber (Chair) Psychosocial and Demographic Moderators of Intervention Outcomes for Youth and Young Adults with ASD. Panel presentation at the Annual Meeting of the International Society for Autism Research, Rotterdam, Netherlands. ​ Anthony, L.G., Verbalis, A., *Pugliese C, Hardy KK,*Strang JF, Anthony, B., *Ratto, A.B., *Seese, S., Safer-Lichtenstein, J., Armour, A.C., Troxel, M., Myrick, Y., Limon, D., Kenworthy, L. (2018, May). What Matters?: An Examination of Implementation Factors in the Effectiveness of Two Tier 2 School-based Interventions. In L. Kenworthy (Chair) Reaching Children Where They Are: The Promise and Challenge of School-Based Intervention for Autism.Panel presentation at the Annual Meeting of the International Society for Autism Research, Rotterdam, Netherlands. ​ Kenworthy, L., Anthony, L.G., Hardy, K., Safer-Lichtenstein, J., Verbalis, A., Biel, M., Seese, S., Strang, J., Ratto, A., Pugliese, C., & Anthony, B. (May, 2017) Addressing Disparities Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Community-Based Executive Function Treatments in ASD & ADHD, International Meeting for Autism Research, San Francisco. ​ Kenworthy, L., Anthony, L.G., Myrick, Y. (November 2016) A Community-Based Executive Function Intervention for Low- Income Children with ADHD and ASD Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute Annual Meeting, Washington, DC. ​ Kenworthy, L. Luong-Tran, C., Werner, M.A., Strang, J. F., Dudley, K., Sharber, A. C., Wallace, G. L., & Anthony, L. G. (2014). Longitudinal Outcomes of Unstuck and On Target Executive Function Intervention Trial in Children with ASD. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), Atlanta, Georgia. ​ Kenworthy, L., Luong-Tran, C., Dudley, K., Naiman, D. Q., Strang, J. F., Werner, M.A., Alexander, K. C., Cannon, L., & Anthony, L. G. (2014). Randomized Controlled Effectiveness Trial of Executive Function Invention for Children on the Autism Spectrum. Poster at the 42nd annual meeting of the International Neuropsychology Society, Seattle, Washington. ​

Support Videos This series of videos provides information and practical strategies that were developed for parents so they could immediately support their neurodivergent child’s executive functioning. However, the information in these videos is helpful for anyone working with children who have executive functioning difficulties. These engaging videos feature parents sharing their real life wisdom and experts who offer research-tested ideas and easy to understand explanations. If you have or work with a child on the autism spectrum or with ADHD or Learning Disabilities, these videos will help you reduce conflict and turns can’ts into cans. ​ ¡En español también! Parent Education Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search video... Now Playing 05:13 Play Video Habla Menos, Escríbelo Now Playing 05:00 Play Video Descomponerlo para Logarlo Video Tip Sheets These tip sheets were created to accompany the Executive Function videos. They are intended for anyone who wants to understand and support a child with executive functioning problems. Many children have trouble with executive functioning. Loving and caring adults are key to supporting children as they develop their executive function skills. The tips offered in these sheets can make life better for you and for your child. ​ Click here to download the Tip Sheets Video Descriptions Understanding Executive Functioning​ ​ This animation introduces parents to what ex ecutive functions are and what executive functioning challenges look like. It introduces simple steps parents can take to help their children. Is it a "Can't" or a "Won't"?​ ​ In this interview, parents Troy and Vanessa reflect on how children sometimes can’t do something when it appears that they won’t do it. They break down how to turn those can’ts into cans. Preventing Overload​ ​ This animation offers parents tips on helping to prevent your child from getting overwhelmed, such as identifying possible triggers and preparing for them in advance. Motivation: How Everyone in Your Family Can Get More of What They Want​ ​ In this video, an expert explains how children and parents can both get more of what they want through motivating strategies. Plan A/Plan B & Big Deal/Little Deal​ ​ This video shows how having multiple plans helps keep your child thinking flexibly and how identifying and managing "Big Deal" and "Little Deals" helps them manage disappointment. We explain how to effectively use both strategies in this animation. What to Do When What We Want Seems Impossible​ ​ Sometimes what we want is not possible. This video features an expert explaining what to do in these situations to help your child. Managing Intense Feelings​ ​ In this animation, we cover how to help your child identify the intensity of their feelings as well as the different strategies available to manage those feelings and get your child back to feeling “on target.” Working Towards Goals​ ​ Creating and working towards goals is a critical life skill. In this video, we discuss how to help your child make goals, understand why goals are important, and how to create plans to achieve those goals. Break it Down​ ​ Children with executive function challenges can easily get overwhelmed. In this video, an expert gives simple tips for breaking tasks down into steps in order to get things done. Compromising So Everyone Wins​ ​ Compromising helps everyone get what they want. This animation explains the different types of compromise and how they can be used so that both parents and their children can walk away with something positive. Talk Less, Write it Down​ ​ In this video, an expert explains how taking the time to write things down can help your child process their feelings when talking to them either makes it worse or seems to go nowhere. Expect the Unexpected and Manage Disappointment​ ​ This animation shows parents how then can help their children manage disappointment when things don’t go as planned by “expecting the unexpected.” Troubleshooting: I Need More Help!​ ​ In this video, an expert explains what to do if the strategies we presented in our videos aren't working, stopped working, or if you've already heard about and tried these strategies but need something more. Troubleshooting: Isn't it Just Bad Behavior?​ ​ In this video, an expert tackles the differences between challenges with EF skills and bad behavior, how to know when it's one or the other, and what to do when it is an EF challenge. Troubleshooting: What Next?​ ​ In this video, an expert answers some concerns and frequently asked questions, such as what to do if you're struggling to use the executive function strategies. The Talk - Black, Autistic, and Male: One Family's experience & A Reflection by Tawara Goode​ ​ Parents Troy and Vanessa Ridgeway share how they've supported their son, Tory, in navigating the world as a black, autistic male. At the same time, they urge parents to have unwavering beliefs in the inherent abilities of their children. Tawara Goode—Associate Professor and Director of the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence—then reflects on the thoughts and worries the Ridgeways express. She provides context for "The Talk," explains the concept of intersectionality, and emphasizes the value their message holds for parents, educators, and social service professionals.

3 Ways to Compromise 3 Ways to Compromise ​ Download a poster showing three methods of compromising in any situation.

Solving Executive Function Challenges Solving Executive Function Challenges ( A how-to book for parents and educators) ​ How can you help kids with autism be flexible, get organized, and work toward goals—not just in school but in everyday life? It's all about executive function, and this quick problem-solving guide helps you explicitly teach these critical skills to children with autism (Grades K-8).

About the Authors Lauren Kenworthy Lauren Kenworthy, PhD, is Professor of Neurology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry at the George Washington University School of Medicine, and Director of the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Children’s National Health System. Dr. Kenworthy received her BA from Yale University and PhD from the University of Maryland. Her research interests are in describing the cognitive strengths and supporting the cognitive weaknesses seen in autism ADHD and other developmental disabilities. She is an author of more than 90 peer-reviewed publications, and of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), as well as the Unstuck and On-Target curricula. She has completed two trials of Unstuck and On-Target in schools for children with ADHD or ASD. Monica Werner Monica Adler Werner, LCPC, MA specializes in program development, executive function interventions in autism, and parent coaching and support. She currently works in private practice and has deep experience in schools developing programming for children with Autism. She is a co-author of Unstuck and On Target Curricula (Brookes, 2011, 2024), a curriculum to enhance cognitive flexibility and problem solving in students with Autism and ADHD, and Solving Executive Function Challenges: Simple Ways to Get Kids with Autism Unstuck and on Target . Monica has an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters degrees from Johns Hopkins and Palo Alto University. Lynn Cannon Lynn Cannon, M.Ed is a social learning specialist at The Ivymount School and The Maddux School. Ms. Cannon received her M.ED in Special Education from the University of Virginia. For over 15 years, she has worked as an educator, administrator and program director, serving students with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Ms. Cannon is also a co-author of Solving Executive Challenges, a resource guide for teachers and parents, The Conversation Club, an instructional manual for teaching conversation skills to students with neurodevelopmental disabilities and the Ivymount Social Cognition Package, a comprehensive, online system for supporting social and emotional learning in K-8 students with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. Her research and teaching interests are in developing interventions and support materials for students with neurodevelopmental disabilities, therapists, educators and their families. Katie C. Alexander Katie C. Alexander, OTD, MS, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and clinician-researcher. Dr. Alexander received her BS, post-professional masters and doctorate from the University of Kansas Medical Center. For over 15 years, she has specialized in community and school-based intervention for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and served as the founding program director for the Model Asperger Program at The Ivymount School. Her research and clinical interests are in developing research-and strengths-based interventions and supports that improve the daily lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. Dr. Alexander also works to disseminate evidence-based practices and improve interprofessional collaboration. John F. Strang John F. Strang, PsyD, is a clinical neuropsychologist in the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Children’s National Hospital. He is also an Assistant Professor in the School of Medicine at George Washington University. Dr. Strang received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and his doctorate from George Washington University. His clinical and research efforts focus on autistic adolescents, including those who are gender diverse. Dr. Strang celebrates the many members of his own family who are on the autism spectrum and approaches his work from a neurodiversity-affirmative framework, which recognizes the strengths inherent in variations in thinking style. He has received two foundation grants to develop and test the Unstuck and On Target: Grades 6-8 curriculum. Laura Gutermuth Anthony Laura Gutermuth Anthony, PhD, Professor, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, and the Pediatric Mental Health Institute at the Children’s Hospital Colorado. Dr. Anthony completed a dual degree PhD program in clinical and developmental psychology at the University of Illinois, Chicago in 1997. Since then, she has focused her most of her research and clinical work on children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and intervention development and implementation. She has also received funding for 11 federally-funded and 7 foundation research grants including several to study the Unstuck and On Target suite of interventions. Cara Pugliese Cara Pugliese, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences, and Pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine, and a clinical psychologist at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Children’s National Hospital. Dr. Pugliese received her BA from the University of Richmond, and PhD from Virginia Tech. Her clinical and research work focuses on developing evidence-based strategies to support executive function in transition-age youth with autism, and how best to implement these practices in community settings. She has received 4 federally funded and 1 foundation-funded research grants to develop and test the Unstuck & On Target: High School curriculum (to be published), served as an investigator on five community-based pragmatic trials, and is the author of over 20 peer-reviewed publications.