For 10-year-old Ryan, navigating school and daily life with spina bifida has brought its own unique challenges. His mom, Christine, immediately thought of Ryan when she heard about ISBA's Executive Functioning (EF) Coaching Program. She noticed he was struggling in school, especially with math, working memory, organization, task initiation, and time management, and she knew that help with executive functioning might be the key.
Christine and Ryan
What is Executive Functioning? Executive functioning is a set of mental skills that helps us manage time, stay organized, plan, and complete tasks. For people with spina bifida, executive dysfunction is common, impacting their ability to process information, solve problems, and manage daily responsibilities. Executive functioning skills are crucial for independence, and they’re skills that help people thrive in school, work, and beyond. ISBA is unique in offering specialized executive functioning coaching for children and adults with spina bifida at no cost to participants.
Christine shared, “Ryan was having some trouble in school and at home with executive functioning skills. We were seeking someone versed in this area to help us, so that Ryan could succeed in his daily life skills.” With ISBA's Executive Functioning Coach Kara Marriott, Ryan has gained essential skills and confidence.
For Ryan, the impact has been life-changing. His mother says, “We’ve seen improvements in his ability to be more independent in what he needs to do at school. He’s also realizing what his specific needs are academically. This program has definitely helped him become more independent, especially when he’s away from family. Now, he makes sure his homework is completed without us reminding him, and he takes initiative to get what he needs ready for school the next day. He even has strategies to manage his working memory at school. Our daily routines are so much easier now, and we don’t have to remind him constantly.”
Ryan shares that one of his favorite parts of the program is how he’s learned to finish schoolwork and homework faster. “The planning and organization skills have helped me get ready for basketball and sled hockey practices, too,” he said proudly.
You Can Make a Difference Today
This Giving Tuesday, every dollar helps ISBA provide Ryan and other children and adults living with spina bifida get the coaching they need to move toward independence. Help us continue to offer this life-changing program and many others at no cost. Your support will make a direct impact in empowering children and families like Ryan and Christine to achieve their dreams.
With your help, we can continue paving the way for a brighter and more promising future for those we serve. Together, let’s empower lives, one dollar toward independence at a time.
“Ryan’s coach, Kara, has been a blessing to him and our family,” Christine shared. “She goes above and beyond to make sure that Ryan is well cared for and has the tools he needs to be successful. She even works with his teachers to come up with strategies for the classroom, and she collaborates with us on strategies to help him at home.”
As Kara reflects, “The most rewarding aspect of providing EF coaching to children with spina bifida is helping them realize their amazing potential and reach personal goals to live their best lives.”
The Unique Needs of Children with Spina Bifida
People living with spina bifida face lifelong medical challenges, frequent healthcare appointments, and daily health-related needs. Learning executive functioning skills not only helps them with school and home life but also prepares them for independence in managing their health and self-care. As Kara explains, "People living with spina bifida are at risk for executive dysfunction. Early identification and treatment can help children and teens learn strategies to improve areas of dysfunction, helping them thrive in school, home, and relationships. These strategies help individuals gain independence, building essential skills for a smooth transition into adulthood."
Making a Difference Through Giving
This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking for your help to raise $10,000 to expand our Executive Functioning Coaching Program and support programs that serve children and adults with spina bifida. We work hard to put every dollar to use in empowering people like Ryan, equipping them with skills to achieve their goals and live more independently. When you donate to ISBA, you’re funding programs that have already made a real difference for families in Illinois.