In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the world of executive functioning and its crucial role in special education. Hosted by Monica Trost of Prepared Parent Advocate, this episode features expert guest Suzanne Pickell, a licensed educational psychologist and executive functioning coach.

Executive functioning encompasses a range of cognitive processes that help individuals manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions. From planning and organization to time management and task initiation, these skills are essential for success in school and life. However, many parents find themselves struggling to understand what executive functioning truly entails and how it affects their child's learning journey.

Suzanne breaks down the complexities of executive functioning, explaining how it is often measured through rating scales and assessments. She emphasizes the importance of capturing a child's behavior in various environments (home and school) to gain a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. As parents, filling out these rating scales can be daunting, but Suzanne offers practical strategies to help ease the process. One of the key takeaways from this episode is the concept of scaffolding. Suzanne explains that scaffolding is about providing the right level of support to help children develop independence. This means gradually fading assistance as they learn to manage their tasks more effectively. For instance, using visual checklists or timers can help children stay organized without relying solely on adult prompts.

Listeners will also learn about the developmental milestones associated with executive functioning. Suzanne highlights that these skills begin to develop early in childhood and evolve as children grow. Understanding these milestones can help parents identify when their child may need additional support. Throughout the episode, the discussion touches on the importance of collaboration among educators, parents, and specialists. Suzanne stresses that everyone involved in a child's education plays a role in supporting their executive functioning skills. This collaborative approach is vital for creating an environment where children can thrive. Whether you're a parent navigating IEP meetings or simply interested in understanding executive functioning better, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge you need to advocate for your child's success!

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes that aim to equip parents with the tools and information they need to support their children in the educational landscape. A prepared parent is indeed a child's best advocate!

Suzanne Pickell is a California Licensed Educational Psychologist and school psychologist, as well as the founder of Primed Potential, where she specializes in executive function support and ADHD across adolescence and adulthood. With nearly a decade of experience in schools and private practice, Suzanne helps individuals and families better understand how their brains work and why everyday tasks can feel harder than they should.

Her work focuses on turning insight into action, supporting clients in building practical routines, strengthening self-regulation, and developing systems that support independence and follow-through. Suzanne is especially passionate about helping bright, capable individuals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or misunderstood finally experience success that reflects their true abilities.

Through a blend of neuropsychology-informed strategies and compassionate coaching, Suzanne helps clients move from frustration to clarity and from effort without progress to meaningful, lasting growth.