Executive functioning skills are a cognitive process (mental processes involved in learning, remembering, and using knowledge) that allows individuals to plan, organize, and manage their thoughts and actions to achieve goals. Poor executive functioning can make it challenging to do well in school, find and keep a job, and maintain social connections.
There are three main areas of executive function:
Working memory
Cognitive flexibility (also called flexible thinking)
Inhibitory control (which includes self-control)
Neurodivergent people may have challenges with executive functioning in areas like planning, organization, and impulse control. They may also have trouble with short-term memory, processing multiple information streams, and emotional control. It’s important to remember everyone is unique and that challenges may vary by condition, particularly those with ASD, ADHD, and OCD.
The good news is that executive functioning skills can be developed. Helping your neurodivergent child build these skills is similar to teaching them how to organize their thoughts, actions, and daily tasks.
Here are some strategies to help your child build upon their executive function skills.
Break Tasks into Steps: Struggling with big tasks, like getting ready for school or doing homework, can be a challenge. You can help by breaking dow tasks into smaller, easier steps. For example, instead of saying, “Get dressed,” you can say, “First, put on your socks, then your shirt,” and so on. It makes the task feel more manageable.
Set Routines: Routines provide structure, which can help with executive function. Try to keep things predictable, like waking up at the same time every day, having a specific time for homework, etc. This repetition helps build good habits.
Encourage “Planning Ahead”: Teach your child to think about what they need before starting a task. For example, before doing homework, ask them what materials they’ll need (pencil, eraser, book). It helps them plan and get organized.
Use Timers or Alarms: Time management can be challenging, so using a timer or alarm can help them keep track of how long they’ve been doing something. You can say, “We’ll set a 10-minute timer for this, and then we’ll move on to the next thing.”
Use Visual Schedules: Using visual planning resources, like the THRIVE app, combine steps 1-4 with the added bonus of visually presenting schedules—which are easier to remember. You can create a daily or weekly schedule with pictures or icons representing different tasks and routines (like brushing your teeth, eating breakfast, etc.). This way, they know what’s coming next and can plan for it.
Practice Flexibility: Being flexible is part of executive function, but sudden changes can be more complicated for autistic kids. Help them prepare for changes by giving them a heads-up: “Today, we might have to change our schedule because of an appointment.” Slowly introducing changes in a supportive way can help them adapt over time.
Model Problem-Solving: When you face challenges, explain your thought process out loud. Say, “Oh no, I forgot my keys. Let me think—I’ll check the kitchen first, then my bedroom.” Walking through the problem out loud shows them how to approach their problems step-by-step.
Most importantly, praise progress and be patient. Celebrate small wins! If your child remembers to check their schedule or completes a task on time, praise their effort. Developing executive functioning skills in children is rewarding for both you and your child and positive reinforcement can motivate them to keep improving.
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