Category Archives: executive function

Dysregulated: Excavation and Big Feels

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I am sad and oh so dysregulated. In some ways I don’t feel like I have a good reason – not when I compare what is going on for me with what so many others are currently experiencing in this … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, ADD/ADHD, Disability, Disclosure, executive function, neurodivergent | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

I am intermittence…

Posted on September 11, 2017 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I feel the coming and going of my capacities and resources. I am intermittence. I would like to be more at ease with this and trust to the natural process and rhythm of the tidal bits of me. I want … Continue reading →

Posted in ableism, ADD/ADHD, Disability, Disclosure, executive function, neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, poem, poetry, privilege | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Packing and Unpacking: Distance Education and the Social Model of Disability

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I am finally packed. Gah – I am so terrible at packing… It taxes my executive function because… anticipating… and predicting… and sorting… and organizing… and planning… and DECISIONS!! So now that this is done, I will tell you about … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Autism, Disability, Distance Education, Distributed Learning, diversity, Educator, executive function, inclusion, Special Education | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

The Singing Bowl and making curtains… and LOVE!

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

Second half of summer… Wednesday… We’ve read some, puttered some… And now I am clearing off a bit of the diningroom table to set up my sewing machine… Our dining room table is family central. Craig and H do H’s … Continue reading →

Posted in acceptance, Autism, Autistic, executive function | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mom, do you want to learn about the game Portal? Co-creating Conceptual Frameworks

Posted on November 23, 2013 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

H: Mom – do you want to learn about the game Portal? Me: Sure! (considered pause) Me: Wait a second – what does that mean? Will you tell me about it for five minutes or will I have to commit … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, executive function, Flexible thinking, mentor/apprentice, other-ability, perspective of others, Social cognition | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Supporting Special Interests: Strength-based opportunities for development

Posted on October 28, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

H has been working on a project for weeks and weeks… I believe, however, that he has been planning it in his head for months. The potential for skill development embedded within this sort of self-directed special-interest project is enormous! … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspergers, Autism, executive function, good enough thinking, internet, Parent, Plan B, relationships, Resiliency, self-directed learning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cleaning H’s Room: Aaack! Will we ever move on from this?

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

H is a collector! He is a collector of facts, like the Amazing Craig (H’s Dad) and like myself! And also like me… he is a collector of stuff! We both love thrift stores and the thrill of a treasure … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Aspergers, Autism, executive function, HFASD, Indiana Jones, Journey, Michael Jackson, Parent, Star Trek, Star Wars | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Harnessing the power of intense interests: MJ meets StarWars

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

For the last couple of months H has been fascinated with Michael Jackson. He began with Thriller and Smooth Criminal, but has moved on to broaden his tastes. He loves the messages: Heal the World and Black or White. While … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Dance, executive function, retro pop culture, Star Wars, The joy of dance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Contemplating Christmas: Autism and Giving to Others

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

I participate in a number of facebook groups. This past week one of them posted a theme on sharing Christmas gift ideas for people with additional needs. I’d like to take this on a slightly different angle (who’s surprised?!?) and … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Aspergers, Autism, Big sister, executive function, sibling, Star Trek | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Perspectives on time and the end of a busy week: Autism and Temporal Development

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Leah Kelley, Ed.D.

All of my weeks are busy – but this one has seemed more so. My head is spinning with things I might write about. I am flying about on different tangential thoughts and mapping out ideas, only to be interrupted … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspergers, Autism, Behaviour, executive function, Michelle Garcia Winner | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments