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Executive Functioning Skills

 

 

"Executive function and self-regulation skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. Just as an air traffic control system at a busy airport safely manages the arrivals and departures of many aircraft on multiple runways, the brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses."- Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University

"Serve and return interactions shape brain architecture. When an infant or young child babbles, gestures, or cries, and an adult responds appropriately with eye contact, words, or a hug, neural connections are built and strengthened in the child’s brain that support the development of communication and social skills. Much like a lively game of tennis, volleyball, or Ping-Pong, this back-and-forth is both fun and capacity-building. When caregivers are sensitive and responsive to a young child’s signals and needs, they provide an environment rich in serve and return experiences." - Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University

 
 
 
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Nadine Burke Harris, MD - "The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity"

Nadine Burke Harris, MD - "The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity"

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