Executive Function Consultation, Education and Skills (EXCEL) Clinic
Executive functions are a group of cognitive skills that guide how we complete daily tasks in efficient and effective ways. They include:
- Attention: Focusing on what’s important
- Initiation: Getting started
- Inhibition: “Stop and think” before acting
- Working memory: Keeping track of information “in the moment”
- Processing speed: Efficiently taking in and responding to information
- Planning: Steps and materials to achieve a goal
- Organization: Grouping and sequencing information
- Flexibility: Adjusting to changes
- Self-monitoring: Awareness and evaluation of own actions
- Time management: Estimating time use
- Emotional control: Manage and respond to emotions
The EXCEL Clinic (Executive Function Consultation, Education and Skills Clinic) within CHOP’s Cancer Center provides services for children and adolescents who are at risk for executive function (EF) weakness. Children at risk for EF challenges include those who have been diagnosed with, or treated for, brain tumors, leukemia/lymphoma, neurofibromatosis type 1 and other cancer conditions. We understand how stressful this can be for everyone in the family, and are here to help.
Executive function resources
We have suggestions for activities you can try at home to improve your child's executive function skills.
What to expect
You and your child or adolescent will meet with Iris Paltin, PhD, ABPP-CN, a pediatric neuropsychologist, to problem-solve challenges that your family has identified. In this one session consultation you will work together to:
- Recognize current barriers to success
- Provide tips and tricks to implement different approaches
- Identify people in each area of your child’s life who can support the development of new habits
You will leave with concrete strategies and resources.
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