Practical Strategies to Strengthen the Brain’s CEO
Executive function skills—planning, organization, emotional regulation, task initiation, and follow-through—are the foundation of independence, resilience, and success in adulthood. Yet for many teens and young adults—especially those with ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, or gifted/twice-exceptional profiles—these skills develop unevenly and under intense pressure.
Emerging Founder & CEO Laura Barr was joined by expert clinicians Dr Elly Maras & Dr Kim Yoshino from Birch Psychology for a thoughtful, research-informed conversation about executive function development in today’s world.
What We Explored
The Intersection of Social Milestones & Brain Development
- How advances in technology and social media have influenced adolescent brain development
- Social experiences teens are gaining—and missing—compared to previous generations
- How delayed independence can impact the development of executive function skills
Technology as a Double-Edged Sword
- Ways technology can support executive function through tools like organization systems, reminders, and scaffolding
- How technology can undermine executive function by impacting focus, emotional regulation, and task initiation
- How families can establish healthier, more intentional boundaries around technology use
What Parents Can Do to Prepare Their Teens
- Realistic ways parents can support executive function skill development at home
- What helps teens internalize executive function skills rather than relying on constant reminders
- When executive function coaching is helpful and when a clinical assessment or therapy may be more appropriate
Why This Conversation Mattered
Executive function challenges are often mistaken for lack of motivation or effort. In reality, they reflect skill gaps shaped by brain development, stress, environment, and modern demands. This conversation helped parents shift from frustration to understanding—and from micromanaging to meaningful support.
About the Guests
Dr Elly Maras — Licensed clinician & trained school psychologist specializing in ADHD, neurodiversity, trauma-informed assessment, and family-centered therapy. Full bio
Dr Kim Bowers Yoshino — Doctoral-level psychologist with expertise in ADHD, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, emotional regulation, and special education systems. Full bio
Resources
- Learn more about Birch Psychology
- Explore our Executive Function Coaching program — empowering students with skills for academic success and life beyond the classroom
- If your student is also thinking about college, our College Consulting program works hand-in-hand with EF coaching to build a complete strategy
- Not sure which services fit your student? Tell us your story! Tell us about their interests, passions, struggles, and the outcome you’re hoping for and we’ll be in touch!
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