About the Executive Function Institute
Understanding how body signals, regulation, and executive function shape children's daily participation in life, home, community, and school.
The Executive Function Institute was created to support therapists, educators, and families working with children as they develop executive function, regulation, and participation skills.
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The Institute integrates the Executive Function Express™ framework with From Roots to Fruit, The Integrated Interoception Tree Model™, connecting body awareness, regulation, and everyday experiences with the development of planning, organization, and flexible thinking.
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We use visual representations of complex concepts as a strengths-based way to support understanding, engagement, and learning.
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Our work is grounded in a strengths-based, neuro-affirming approach that recognizes the importance of internal experiences, environmental supports, and meaningful participation in supporting children’s development.
Why this work matters
Children are often expected to plan, organize, regulate, and participate successfully without direct support for the internal processes that enable the skills.
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Executive function does not develop in isolation. It is closely connected to body awareness, regulation, and the ability to interpret internal experiences.
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The Executive Function Express™ framework and From Roots to Fruit, The Integrated Interoception Tree Model™ work together to support the connections. By helping children better understand their internal signals and experiences, we create a foundation for meaningful participation in everyday life.
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This approach moves beyond surface-level strategies to support the whole child through practical, real-world applications.
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Executive function grows from the body, not apart from it.
About Dr. Cara
Dr. Cara Koscinski is an occupational therapist with over 28 years of experience working with children and families. Her work focuses on supporting executive function, regulation, and participation through practical, real-world strategies.
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She is the creator of the Executive Function Express™ framework and the Integrated Interoception Tree Model, which together provide a structured approach to understanding how body awareness, regulation, and everyday experiences influence the development of executive function skills.
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Dr. Koscinski has worked extensively with therapists, educators, and schools, helping teams translate clinical knowledge into meaningful, functional outcomes for children across environments. She is a Certified Autism Expert by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
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Her approach emphasizes strengths-based, neuro-affirming support that honors each child’s individual experience while building the skills needed for participation in daily life. Through the years, Dr. Cara has published 8 books to support neurodiversity.
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As the parent of two adult neurodiverse sons, Dr. Koscinski brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.
OTD, MOT, OTR/L, CAS
A Thoughtful, Integrated Approach
Supporting children requires more than strategies alone. It involves understanding how internal experiences, environmental supports, and meaningful participation work together over time.
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The Executive Function Express™ framework and From Roots to Fruit, The Integrated Interoception Tree Model™ reflect this integrated approach. Together, they support the development of executive function, regulation, and body awareness in ways that are practical, respectful, and grounded in real-world application.
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Our work emphasizes strengths-based, neuro-affirming support that meets children where they are while building the skills needed for everyday participation.