I have to write an eLearning module for my eLearning class. Gladly accepting any suggestions…
The topic is going to be:
How do you identify and interact with an adult with Executive Functioning issues?
Two learning objectives:
-
The learner will identify behavioral issues displayed by adults with executive functioning issues
- The learner will identify strategies to diffuse situations brought on by an adult having problems with one of the executive functioning issues
Learner Characteristics: Anyone who may interact with an adult with Executive Functioning issues
What do you think? Am I biting off more than I can chew? Is executive functioning something I can explain in a short eLearning lesson? Should I tie what I am trying to do specifically to Asperger’s Syndrome?
My idea is to write an eLearning lesson for “neuro-typical” folks so they can understand someone with Asperger’s who may just be overloaded to the point that they are having problems with executive functioning.
This may be a lot to cover in one module, but the information is very necessary. Having an Aspie son, I can recognize when he and others Aspie’s are overwhelmed and can’t think. Most other people can’t figure out what is going on. They just see a really smart guy fall apart and not be able to express what is happening.
Maybe you could just try to show what an Aspie is thinking/feeling when this happens and why higher brian functions no longer work. I’ll keep thinking about this.
It’s very ambitious, but I think it’s doable. One key strategy should be links out to ‘further reading’ resources. Stick to the headlines: here’s what to look for (1, 2, 3, 4) and here is a menu of strategies from which to select – none guaranteed to work, apply with sensitivity etc. Some of the background/further reading links could usefully point to general sensory integration issues, too, as well as information on the spectrum. Video, or first hand accounts would be useful. Good luck!
Hi Gina! I think this is a great idea. I actually think it makes sense to focus on this one facet of AS, since there is so much heterogeniety (butchered the spelling, I’m sure!) with AS and not everyone deals with exec functioning problems to the same degree.
May be helpful to give tips on how to prevent the overload that you mentioned, that is how to present ideas to someone w/ exec func problems in a way that their brain can process it without becomming overloaded. Off the top of my head, visuals are good, I like to use flowcharts to accompany discussion sometimes. Ed makes a good point about sensory integration too, since a loud or bright or uncomfortable environment can interfere w/ exec func ability.
Also, trying to think of examples that the NT person can identify with to understand what the AS person is experiencing can be helpful in a lesson like this. If I think of any i’ll come back!
Good luck!
Thanks everyone! I hope y’all will help me when I need someone to proof what I come up with! 🙂