Why Strengthening Executive Function Skills is a Game-Changer for Autistic & ADHD Brains

Why Strengthening Executive Function Skills is a Game-Changer for Autistic & ADHD Brains

Picture this…

It’s Monday morning. You have a child still in their pyjamas at 7:45 a.m. 

The school bag? It could be under the sofa. 

Breakfast? Oh, they started making toast but got distracted by the cat. 

Now they’re staring at their shoes, hoping they might magically tie themselves.

Sound familiar?

If so, you’re probably living with (or supporting) a brain that works differently, maybe ADHD, autism, or both. And this, my friends, is where executive functions come in.

What on earth are executive functions?

Think of executive functions as your brain’s “air traffic control system.” 

They help you:

• Plan what’s coming up
• Remember the steps you need to take
• Stay on task
• Keep your cool when things change
• Switch from one activity to another without meltdown or mayhem

When these skills aren’t working smoothly, life gets messy, not because you’re lazy, stubborn, or “just need to try harder”, but because the brain is wired differently.

Autism, ADHD, and the ‘juggling jelly’ problem

ADHD brains often struggle to start tasks, focus, and keep track of time.

Autistic brains can find flexibility, organisation, and adapting to change much harder.

Autism + ADHD together can feel like juggling jelly, it’s slippery, unpredictable, and exhausting.

What research tells us

A big study compared three groups of children:

ADHD only — could manage daily life skills a bit more easily.

Autism only — found daily skills like self-care, socialising, and organising harder.

Autism + ADHD — often had the toughest time overall.

The key finding?

Autism has the biggest impact on daily functioning because it affects those underlying executive function skills so strongly.

Why building these skills is so important

When we strengthen executive functions, life gets smoother. We see:

• Calmer mornings
• Less overwhelmed in social situations
• More independence at home, school, or work
• Fewer meltdowns from constant rushing or last-minute panic

Final thought

This isn’t about “fixing” someone or forcing them to fit in a box.

It’s about giving autistic and ADHD people the tools they need so their brilliant, creative, one-of-a-kind brain can shine without getting buried under daily stress.

Because when the brain’s air traffic control system gets the right support, life feels a whole lot less like juggling jelly.