A Parent’s Guide to Executive Functioning in ADHD and Autistic Children
Posted on 1st February 2025 at 10:44
If you’ve noticed your child struggling with things like switching tasks, following instructions, or managing their emotions, they may be facing executive functioning challenges. Executive functioning is a set of brain skills that help with planning, organisation, memory, and self-control. These skills develop differently in children with ADHD and autism, and understanding these differences can help you support them better.
Executive functions act as the brain’s control centre, helping children to think before acting, stay organised, and manage their time. When these skills are underdeveloped, everyday tasks like getting ready for school, doing homework, or following a schedule can become frustrating and overwhelming.
Let’s explore how executive functioning difficulties appear in ADHD and autism, along with ways to support your child.
1. Cognitive Flexibility (Switching Tasks or Ideas)
This skill helps children adapt to changes and shift between tasks or ideas.
ADHD Challenges with Flexibility:
Jumping from one activity to another without finishing tasks.
Getting bored easily and switching topics in the middle of conversations.
Struggling to stop and think before acting, leading to impulsive decision-making.
Autism Challenges with Flexibility:
Getting stuck on one activity and becoming upset when asked to switch.
Struggling with changes in routine, even small ones like using a different toothpaste brand.
Having rigid thinking, insisting that things must be done in a specific way.
How You Can Help:
Use timers or countdowns to prepare for transitions.
Make routines predictable but include small changes to practise flexibility.
Play games that encourage switching, like “Simon Says” or “Opposite Day.”
2. Inhibitory Control (Impulsivity & Self-Regulation)
This skill helps children pause before reacting instead of acting on impulse.
ADHD Challenges with Impulsivity:
Interrupting conversations because they struggle to wait their turn.
Blurting out answers in class before the teacher finishes speaking.
Grabbing things without asking or running ahead without considering safety.
Autism Challenges with Impulsivity:
Meltdowns or shutdowns when emotions become overwhelming.
Difficulty stopping a repetitive behaviour, even when asked.
Rigid rules about what is "right" or "wrong" in social situations, sometimes leading to blunt or socially inappropriate comments.
How You Can Help:
Teach pause-and-think strategies, like counting to three before reacting.
Practise taking turns in conversations with role-playing.
Use social stories to explain self-control in different situations.
3. Working Memory (Holding & Using Information)
Working memory helps us remember instructions and keep track of tasks.
ADHD Challenges with Working Memory:
Forgetting instructions quickly, especially multi-step tasks (e.g. “Put your shoes on, grab your bag, and meet me at the door” – they might only remember one part).
Getting distracted easily, starting one task and then switching to something else.
Struggling to remember daily tasks, like packing everything needed for school.
Autism Challenges with Working Memory:
Relying on routines to compensate for memory difficulties.
Needing extra processing time to recall information.
Difficulty following long conversations, especially when multiple people are talking.
How You Can Help:
Break instructions into smaller steps and ask them to repeat them back.
Use visual aids like checklists and reminders.
Encourage repetition to reinforce memory skills.
4. Planning & Organisation (Getting Things Done in Order)
This skill helps children plan tasks, stay organised, and complete activities efficiently.
ADHD Challenges with Planning & Organisation:
Procrastinating or forgetting tasks because they struggle to prioritise.
Leaving things unfinished, starting homework but getting distracted.
Misplacing belongings like homework, lunchboxes, or PE kits.
Autism Challenges with Planning & Organisation:
Over-planning or needing strict routines, leading to distress if things change.
Feeling overwhelmed by multi-step tasks, even if they know what to do.
Difficulty organising belongings, sometimes keeping everything too ordered or the opposite—letting clutter build up.
How You Can Help:
Use checklists and visual schedules to break tasks into steps.
Teach time management skills using timers or alarms.
Help prioritise tasks, using colour-coded lists or first-then strategies (e.g. “First finish your homework, then play games”).
Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning
Both autistic and ADHD children experience executive functioning challenges, but in different ways. Understanding how these difficulties show up can help you tailor support strategies to meet your child’s unique needs.
✔️ Be patient – these skills develop over time and with practice.
✔️ Use routines – predictable schedules reduce stress.
✔️ Provide support – visual aids, timers, and reminders can make a big difference.
✔️ Celebrate progress – small wins lead to big improvements!
By recognising these challenges and giving your child the right tools, you can help them build independence, confidence, and success in daily life.
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