Executive function skills play an important role in learning, independence, and daily life. These skills help individuals plan, organize, manage emotions, adapt to change, and work toward goals. For many students, especially those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other executive functioning challenges, these tasks can be difficult. Unstuck and On Target is a research-based program designed to help children and youth develop these essential skills in a structured and practical way.

Originally developed for autistic students with strong language and cognitive abilities, Unstuck and On Target has expanded to support a wider range of learners who experience challenges with flexibility, planning, organization, and self regulation. The program is used by educators, clinicians, and families to teach strategies that help students become more effective problem solvers and independent learners.

One of the strengths of Unstuck and On Target is its focus on teaching executive function skills through concrete lessons, hands on activities, games, role playing, and guided discussions. Students learn practical concepts such as moving from “Plan A” to “Plan B,” setting goals, coping with unexpected changes, and recognizing when a situation is a “big deal” or a “little deal.” These strategies are reinforced through consistent language and routines that can be used across school, home, and community settings.

The program includes age specific curricula for elementary students, middle school students, and older youth preparing for adulthood. Lessons are designed to be delivered in small groups or classroom settings and provide step by step guidance for educators and therapists. Training resources, parent supports, videos, and online learning modules are also available to help adults reinforce the same strategies outside of formal instruction.

From an assistive technology perspective, Unstuck and On Target can be viewed as a cognitive support tool. Rather than relying on hardware or software, it provides learners with strategies and frameworks that help compensate for executive functioning challenges. Students who struggle with transitions, organization, emotional regulation, time management, or completing multi step tasks can benefit from the structured approach. The shared language and consistent routines can also improve communication between students, educators, therapists, and families.

This tool is available for purchase as a two-year subscription at a cost of $55 Canadian. To learn more about Unstuck and On Target, click here.

This post originally appeared on the AT Help Desk website.

Tags: apps, assistive technology, AT HelpDesk, Atlantic Regional Office