My Deficits of Executive Function
I've been reading this really excellent book about adults with autism by Nancy Perry. It's taking me a very long time to read it. Not because it's obtuse or technical. Really, it's very readable. Lots of interesting stories to highlight her points. No, it's taking me a long time to read it, because at the same time that I'm learning, I'm being forced to face a reality that I've managed to ignore. At almost 15 years of age, Sam has very major executive function deficits that he may or may not ever be able to deal with independently. Each EF deficit can be broken down into hundreds of practical skill sets that can be taught. For example, we can teach Planning, Sequencing and Organizing for hundreds of different skills. Following a recipe, taking care of an apartment, getting ready for school or work, writing a paper, shopping for groceries, personal hygiene. The list goes on and on and on. And it changes with each new phase of ...