Understanding Executive Functioning And How to Support Your Neurodivergent Child

Executive functioning is a set of cognitive skills that help us plan, focus, remember instructions and juggle multiple tasks. For neurodivergent children, these skills might develop differently, making everyday activities more challenging.

Think of it like the "spoons theory"—every task, decision or interaction takes up a spoon. When your child’s executive functioning is under strain, their "spoons" are used up more quickly, leading to emotional overload or frustration. Understanding this helps you respond more compassionately to their struggles.

Help your child build their executive functioning by:

• Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps

• Offering visual reminders or checklists

• Teaching self-regulation strategies, like deep breathing or using a fidget tool

  
  

The key to supporting your child is patience and consistency. Executive functioning can be strengthened over time with practice, positive reinforcement and appropriate accommodations.

Want more support like this? This article is just a snippet of the full guide available exclusively to members of The Dock — our private, supportive online community for parents of neurodivergent children. Inside, you’ll find the full downloadable version, plus expert-led resources, lived experience advice and real connection with people who truly get it.

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