New School Year, New Skills: Building Executive Functioning Strategies for Teens with Autism and ADHD
Starting a new school year can feel daunting for any teen, but it can be difficult for teens with Autism and ADHD due to the changes in routine. Teens with ASD and ADHD often face unique executive functioning challenges that make tasks like staying organized, completing tasks, and problem solving more difficult than for their peers who typically develop these skills naturally. But here's the good news: by proactively building executive function skills, your teen can bridge the gap, feel more empowered, and navigate the school year with confidence.
Understanding ASD and ADHD Executive Functioning Challenges
Executive functions refer to a set of cognitive processes that allow us to plan, organize, pay attention, manage time, start the task at hand, and persevere to completion. Teens can frequently experience executive dysfunction, meaning they struggle to carry out these everyday processes efficiently. This can manifest as difficulty initiating homework, forgetting school assignments, challenges in maintaining attention, or frustration when faced with changes in daily tasks.
Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward building executive functioning skills. It’s essential for parents and educators to approach these issues with empathy and patience, understanding that these behaviors aren’t a result of lack of effort or motivation, but genuine cognitive hurdles.
Plan, Organize, and Thrive
Planning and organizational skills usually don’t come naturally to children with autism spectrum and ADHD. However, these skills can be taught. For instance, try breaking down larger school work projects into manageable steps. Use visual checklists or planners so your teen can clearly see each phase required for completing tasks. This structured approach can reduce anxiety and frustration by providing clear, actionable steps.
Strengthening Working Memory
Working memory is crucial to managing daily tasks, remembering instructions, and staying focused in school. Simple strategies like visual reminders, written cues, or digital apps designed for executive functioning can help teens maintain attention and enhance working memory.
Initiating and Completing Tasks
One executive functioning challenge many teens face is task initiation—starting an activity and staying motivated until it’s completed. Teens with autism and ADHD may feel overwhelmed by uncertainty or intimidated by larger tasks, causing them to avoid getting started altogether.
To address this, practice a predictable "start-up" routine. This might involve setting timers, using a "first-then" approach, or offering gentle, clear prompts. Celebrate small victories along the way, creating positive associations with completing tasks. Consistency is key to reinforcing positive behaviors and developing independence.
Flexibility and Problem-Solving
Flexibility and problem-solving are also integral executive functioning skills that can present challenges for teens. Sudden changes in schedules, expectations, or routines can sometimes trigger anxiety or emotional outbursts.
Teaching your teen strategies such as developing a "Plan B" for when plans change or practicing coping skills like deep breathing and mindfulness to reduce stress. Role-playing various scenarios at home can also help your teen become more comfortable with uncertainty and better equipped to solve problems independently.
Bridging the Gap: Creating Supportive Environments
Schools play a critical role in fostering executive function development. Advocating for your teen in school can involve collaborating with teachers to implement accommodations like extra reminders, simplified instructions, or flexible deadlines. Consistent communication between home and school bridges the gap and ensures your teen feels understood and supported.
Taking the Next Step
Executive functioning challenges don't define your teen’s potential—they simply highlight areas for targeted growth and support. By addressing executive dysfunction proactively, you equip your teen with tools for success not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Mindsoother is excited to announce that we will soon be introducing a new executive functioning curriculum, open to all ages, designed to strengthen planning, prioritizing, and time management skills for anyone looking to boost their organizational abilities. If your teen is struggling with time management, organization, or focus, contact Mindsoother today. Together, we’ll equip them with practical strategies that foster confidence, independence, and long-term success.