By SPOT Paediatrics
Let’s start with understanding the term ‘Executive Functioning’. This refers to a set of mental skills that help you manage thoughts, actions and emotions to achieve goals. Executive functioning is particularly important for children to help them:
- stay organised;
- follow routines;
- remember information;
- solve problems;
- manage big feelings; and
- start and finish tasks.
This skill often develops from early childhood into the mid-20s and is strongly linked to the frontal lobe of the brain. However, kids with autism or ADHD often need more support developing these skills — and small changes at home can go a long way.
Here, we take a look at some challenges your child might face, and how to support them through it…
Planning & organisation
The challenge: Messy spaces, like bags or rooms, forgetting where they left items and big tasks can often feel overwhelming.
To support your child, try this:
- Use a simple checklist for routines (morning/school bag/bedtime).
- Have a ‘launch pad’ basket near the door for school essentials.
- Pack lunch, uniforms, and bags the night before.
- Sort spaces together: “Let’s find a home for your favourite school things”.
- Break jobs into three steps (i.e. get ready for school = get dressed → pack bag → shoes on).
Time management
The challenge: Always running late, losing track of time and rushing or stalling.
To support your child, try this:
- Use a visual or sand-timer for tasks like teeth brushing, packing bag and screen time.
- Set a ‘5-minute warning’ before transitions.
- Practice guessing, “How long will it take?”, and then check.
- Use music — one song to get dressed, one for breakfast, etc.
- Start homework with 10 minutes only — build up slowly.
Working memory
The challenge: Forgets multi-step instructions and loses their place.
To support your child, try this:
- Give one step at a time when needed.
- Ask, “Can you tell me what you’re going to do?” instead of repeating yourself.
- Use sticky notes or picture cards to remember steps.
- Pair words with a visual cue (pointing, showing, or modelling).
Emotional & self-control skills
The challenge: Big reactions, impulsive behaviour and finds waiting hard.
To support your child, try this:
- Play waiting games, like Red Light Green Light or Simon Says.
- Keep a calm-down basket, which includes fidgets, chew toys, headphones and soft toys.
- Teach pause-words: ‘Breathe first’, ‘Slow and steady’, ‘Count to 3’.
- Model what to do: “I feel frustrated… I’m going to take a breath.”
Task initiation & motivation
The challenge: Avoids starting tasks, procrastinates and often says, “I don’t know where to start”.
To support your child, try this:
- Ask, “Do you want help getting started?”
- Start with the easiest part first to build confidence.
- Use 3-minute countdown timers to begin.
- Try a brain-dump page to get ideas out before organising.
Flexibility & persistence
The challenge: Struggles when plans change and gives up quickly.
To support your child, try this:
- Preview changes early (“Today, we will go home a different way.”)
- Offer two choices to add control.
- Celebrate effort, not perfection.
- “You didn’t give up — that’s awesome!”
- Teach growth language:
- “You haven’t mastered it yet, but you’re learning.”
Remember…
You don’t need to change everything at once. Pick one routine to support your child, build success, and then expand from there.
Children with autism and ADHD often benefit from predictable structure, visual supports, regulation strategies, and warm encouragement. Executive functioning skills build over time — and with the right support, small steps lead to success and, most importantly, confident kids.
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