EP290 Executive Function in Neurodivergent Kids: What’s Going On

Ever feel like your kid’s meltdowns come out of nowhere? Or wonder what’s going on when they don’t seem to hear what you say? Neuropsychologist Dr. Rebecca Resnik joins Elaine to explain how executive function works in neurodivergent kids: why frustration is a “late-stage” signal, why “put your tablet away” doesn’t land the first (or fifth) time, and what a neuropsych evaluation can actually tell you. You’ll come away seeing and understanding your child’s behavior differently. Hit play, then share it with a parent who needs to hear it.

What to expect in this episode:

• Executive function is the brain’s system for reaching goals, and neurodivergent kids often have very different profiles even when they share a diagnosis.
• Emotional functioning is the “rudder” for executive function: when kids feel stressed or unsafe, their attention, memory and planning all suffer.
• Low frustration tolerance is usually a late-stage signal of overwhelm or an environment that doesn’t fit, not a character flaw.
• Behavior that seems to come “out of nowhere” has usually been building for much longer, especially in kids who mask.
• A neuropsych evaluation can replace the “bad kid” story with real understanding and give parents what they need to advocate.

About Dr. Rebecca Resnik

Dr. Rebecca Resnik practices neuropsychology at her group practice, Rebecca Resnik and Associates. Dr. Resnik serves on the American Psychological Association's Board of the Association for Clinical Neuropsychology and the Clinical Psychology's Assessment Board of Directors. She served as President of the Maryland Psychological Association and was a board member for eleven years. Dr. Resnik regularly speaks at national events and offers continuing education and professional development for clincians and educators.

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Connect with Dr. Rebecca Resnik:

• Website: www.resnikpsychology.com 
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cultivating-excellence-podcast/id1796003751 
• Facebook: facebook.com/resnikpsychology 
• Instagram: instagram.com/rebeccaresnikandassoc 
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rebecca-resnik-740a9b4