Understanding Executive Functioning and How it Impacts Academic Strengths and Challenges

The primary session goals are to develop an understanding of the teen&s;s strengths and difficulties, normalize the challenges that autistic adolescents experience in middle school, and provide an overview of the AIMS intervention (e.g., logistics, structure, content, etc.). In the large group, caregivers and teens get to know one another and discuss some of the challenges they face at school, with homework, and studying for tests. Teens and caregivers also learn about the 5 EFs that will be targeted throughout AIMS. In the teen group, teens complete an assessment of their EF strengths and challenges. In the caregiver group, caregivers discuss how to tackle EF challenges while considering their teen&s;s individualized profile and while emphasizing independence. For the Real World Practice assignment, teens will set a goal for improving an area that they identified as an EF challenge at home or school.