Executive Dysfunction

Executive function and dysfunction

Autistic or ADHD children often navigate a world where everyday tasks can feel like climbing a mountain, one where you can’t always see the path let alone the peak. One of the reasons for these challenges is when a child has difficulties with executive functioning. Understanding what executive functioning is, how it affects your child, and practical ways to support with executive disfunction.

What is executive functioning?

Executive functioning refers to a set of mental skills that help us plan, organise, remember information, manage our emotions, and control our impulses. Think of executive functions as the brain’s “control centre,” allowing us to set goals, prioritise tasks, adapt to changes, and see things through from start to finish. These skills develop over time and are essential for academic achievement, social relationships, and daily living.

For autistic and ADHD children, executive functioning skills often develop differently or more slowly. This isn’t a reflection of intelligence or effort, it’s simply part of how their brains are wired. When someone has persistent or significant difficulties with executive functioning, this is called executive dysfunction.

What can executive dysfunction look like?

Executive functioning challenges can show up in many ways, and each child is unique. Some common traits include:

Struggling to switch between tasks or adapt to changes in routine

Forgetting instructions or losing track of what they’re doing

Finding it hard to get started on tasks or finish them

Troubles with memory

Finding it hard to focus or getting bored of tasks

Difficulty managing emotions or waiting their turn

Insisting that things must be done a certain way

Trouble organising time, materials, or personal space

Difficulty perceiving and managing time (called time blindness)

Self-regulation difficulties

This could look like your child jumping from one activity to another without finishing, becoming upset if plans change, or having trouble remembering to hand in homework, even if the work itself isn’t difficult.

Why does this happen?

Executive functions are mainly managed by the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for high level thinking and self-regulation. In autistic and ADHD children, development in this area can be delayed by up to 30%, meaning a twelve-year-old may have the executive functioning skills of a much younger child. It’s important to remember this is not a matter of attitude or laziness, but a neurological difference.

Strategies and support

While executive functioning challenges can be frustrating, there are many ways parents can help children who have executive dysfunction.

Create predictable routines: Consistent daily routines help children know what to expect, reducing anxiety and supporting memory. Include visual schedules or checklists where possible. You could try adding a new habit to an already existing routine, this is called habit stacking.

Use visual supports: Sticky notes, to-do lists, and reminders can help children keep track of tasks and deadlines. Involved your child to write these.

Practise flexibility: Gradually introduce small changes to routines to help your child adapt. For example, try a new route to school or swap out a familiar breakfast item.

Play games: Games like “Simon Says,” chess, or Connect 4 encourage planning, flexible thinking, and impulse control in a fun, low-pressure way.

Break tasks into steps: Some children prefer tasks to be broken into small manageable steps, whilst others may see this long list too overwhelming. Work with your child to find the right level for them. We like https://goblin.tools/ for breaking jobs down, but it may not suit everyone.

Use timers and countdowns: Timers can help children prepare for transitions and manage how long they spend on activities.

Model and teach strategies: Show your child how you plan, organise, and manage your own time. Talk through your thought process out loud.

Encourage accountability with compassion: Hold your child accountable for their actions, but avoid shaming. Focus on problem-solving and learning from mistakes.

Reward effort and progress: Use positive reinforcement to celebrate achievements, no matter how small.

Allow time to recharge: Executive functioning takes effort. Make sure your child has downtime to rest and recover.

Acknowledge different levels: Executive functions aren’t one level all of the time. Your child’s needs may be different day to day or even throughout the day.

Many autistic and ADHD children can and do improve their executive functioning skills with practice, patience, and the right support. Remember, these challenges are not a reflection of your child’s intelligence, effort or character; it is simply how their brain is wired. With understanding and practical strategies, you can help your child build confidence, independence, and resilience.

By focusing on strengths and providing support where needed, you can empower your child to navigate life’s challenges and celebrate their successes, big and small.