Executive Function and Dysfunction

The Westford Special Education Parents Advisory Council is proud to host:

Executive Function and Dysfunction
presented by Joseph Moldover, PsyD

An adolescent is failing in school.  While he tests high on IQ and academic tests, he seems “scattered”.  He cannot begin work or get organized.  He struggles to plan tasks and to stay focused.  His parents and teachers are frustrated with what they see as his untapped potential.

A kindergartener is unable to comply with classroom expectations.  She struggles to sit still in groups and alienates other children with her impulsive behavior.  Her teacher complains that it is difficult to focus her on tasks that she is not interested in and notes that she is not progressing with early academic skills.

A fourth grader is increasingly frustrated by writing demands.  While he has a great vocabulary and creative ideas, he is unable to put his thoughts on paper.  His parents and teacher describe him as having “output” problems, but on testing he demonstrates above average language and motor skills.

Developmental challenges in executive functioning are the common factor in all of these cases.  Such challenges are integral to understanding the functioning of children with a wide range of diagnoses, including learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and neurological and psychiatric disorders.

In this seminar the term “executive functioning” is defined and discussed as it relates to functioning at different stages of development.  The neurological basis of executive functioning is identified and supports for children with challenges in executive functioning are discussed.

Dr. Joseph Moldover is a developmental neuropsychologist practicing independently in Wellesley, Massachusetts.  His interests include the evaluation and management of children and adolescents with learning disorders, developmental disorders, neurological injuries, and psychiatric disabilities.

Dr. Moldover is a graduate of the Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University, where he completed dual concentrations in neuropsychology and cognitive behavioral therapy.  He also completed graduate level training in health services administration at the Widener University School of Business Administration, and served in clinical research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.  Following graduate school, Dr. Moldover completed a postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at the Children’s Evaluation Center, in Newton, MA.

ALL Parents, staff and community members are invited to attend this community workshop.