AuSM Workshop: Executive Function Essentials – Practical Tools for Everyday Life
Date: December 5, 2024; 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Hosted by AuSM and the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin
Presented by: Sara Lahti (she/her, he/him) and Zephyr James (any pronouns)
Pricing: $59.99 (nonmember), $49.99 (member), $39.99 (autistic adult)
Held Virtually
This workshop will give you foundational skills to build self-regulation that will improve your executive function. We’ll delve into innovative concepts like spiral time, providing a fresh perspective on time management and organization. You will learn practical, actionable strategies to support and strengthen executive function skills, tailored specifically for autistic individuals.
The content is designed with neurodivergent brains in mind, offering approaches and strategies that respect and work with your natural tendencies rather than against them. Whether you’re looking to boost your own executive function or support someone else, this workshop offers tools that can be implemented right away, empowering you to navigate your own life and your own needs with the approaches that work for you.
Topics We’ll Cover:
- What is executive function
- What skills does it include
- General approaches to executive function
- Neurodiversity-affirming strategies
- Tools and technology that can help
- Specific approaches for each executive function skill
- How to support someone else struggling with executive function
Presenters
Sara Lahti, a Mental Health Professional and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, graduated with her Master of Arts degree in 2018 and previously earned a BA in psychology through the University of St. Thomas. Lahti has worked with children with ASD as well as with people with ASD and other disabilities in a day program facility. Lahti has a passion for working with adults on the autism spectrum. She uses Adlerian and person-centered therapeutic techniques to help clients better understand themselves and their strengths. Lahti’s Master’s thesis focused on using Early Recollections with people on the spectrum, which she believes is central to understanding clients’ core beliefs. She works with clients on thought patterns and how they affect daily living and also helps clients develop social interest within themselves and their communities.
Zephyr James is an autistic adult and the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Autism Society of Minnesota. With nearly a decade of experience in creating resources, trainings, events, and community for autistic individuals in Minnesota, they spend their time working with the autistic community to ensure AuSM is meeting the needs of the people we’re here to serve. Zephyr has completed the Partners in Policymaking disability advocacy program and was a Minnesota LEND Fellow.