Shifting: Executive Functioning
There’s just too much going on…
Shifting is an executive functioning skill needed in everyday life. Being able to switch from one task to another quickly and efficiently is how we get things done without over thinking it, and that’s because if we do, we will quickly become overwhelmed. If a neurodivergent individual is struggling with executive dysfunction, then shifting may be more difficult for them than others. They may be unable to break away from one task to complete another or return to a task to finish it later because they are unable to shift their attention, leading to many things being left half completed or undone, and daily life to become stressful since one distraction may stress them out or halt productivity completely.
For children, teens, and young adults, shifting is an important executive functioning skill to have, because in life, multiple things are happening around us constantly. Whether it be a friend asking you a question while trying to complete an assignment, a teacher lecturing while you’re taking notes, or even simply answering a text before going back to homework, being able to shift back and forth between things with ease is important. It allows us to be productive despite all the distractions, not become overwhelmed or stressed by outside interruptions, and simply work efficiently in any type of setting. However, for neurodivergent individuals, actively shifting can be harder for them, but with the right coaching, it can be made easier to understand and incorporate into daily life.
At the Support for Students Growth Center, we provide the social, behavioral, educational, emotional, and executive functioning skills children, teens, young adults, and their families need for a happy and successful life in and out of school settings. Our team of professionals offers individualized and family coaching/counseling and social skills groups to help teach skills such as how to be actively shifting to ensure parents do not have to worry that their kids will be unable to make and maintain a functioning independent life on their own. So, if your child is struggling with skills like the ones listed above and much more, the SSGC is equipped with the tools to help.
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Dr. Eric J. Nach, Ph.D., M.Ed., A.S.D.C., is a Developmental and Behavioral Specialist who specializes in Autism, ADHD and related disorders. Dr. Nach is the founder of the Support for Students Growth Center and College Life Skills Program where he and his team of professional’s help develop the Emotional Maturity, Executive Functioning, Life Skill and Social Abilities of children, teens, young adults and college students and those high school students preparing for college.
