Executive functioning challenges can show up everywhere—getting started, staying focused, managing emotions, handling transitions, and keeping track of what needs to happen next. In this episode, we break down what executive functioning really is, why it's so foundational for neurodivergent children and teens, and how to support these skills in a way that builds independence instead of pressure.
This episode is part of our Hyperfocus January event, where we're exploring the four things all neurodivergent individuals need, and how executive functioning acts as the support system that holds everything together. We'll dive into the eight core areas of executive functioning, explain how to identify which ones are actually causing real-life struggles, and talk about why executive functioning isn't something you "teach to mastery" and move on from.
You'll also learn how to:
Look for patterns instead of chasing scores
Map daily challenges to specific executive functioning needs
Use strategies and external supports as tools—not crutches
Support carryover from structured practice into real life
If you want a starting point, we recommend taking our Neurodivergent & Thriving Scorecard, an interactive tool that will generate a custom report about how a child or teen is doing in each of the four core areas (along with support strategy recommendations):
👉 www.SLKscorecard.com
To access all of our resources—including the Executive Functioning Screening Quiz, therapy tools, and step-by-step support—join the SLK Curriculum here:
👉 Hub.SpeechAndLanguageKids.com
Neurodivergent children and teens don't need to be fixed. They just need better tools and supports to help them thrive.
