Advocate Like a Mother

Let's Talk Executive Dysfunction: Navigating Learning Challenges with ADHD and Autism

BY MARIA GIANCOTTI, M.ED - STUDENT ADVOCACY MICHIGAN

IMAGINE THIS: You ask your child to get ready for school. It seems like a simple task, right? But instead of getting dressed and grabbing their backpack, they’re standing in the middle of their room, lost in thought, socks in hand, contemplating the meaning of life. Next thing you know

IMAGINE THIS: You ask your child to get ready for school. It seems like a simple task, right? But instead of getting dressed and grabbing their backpack, they’re standing in the middle of their room, lost in thought, socks in hand, contemplating the meaning of life. Next thing you know

they approach you still undressed carrying a longforgotten toy from their toy box. Welcome to the world of executive dysfunction, where even the simplest of tasks can turn into a grand adventure!

While these escapades might seem like scenes from a comedy sketch, they shed light on the very real struggles children with ADHD and autism face when it comes to executive functioning. Executive functioning is like the conductor of an orchestra, coordinating various cognitive processes to help us plan, organize, and execute tasks. For children with ADHD and autism, however, this conductor sometimes seems to take an unexpected coffee break, leaving chaos in its wake.

What Does Executive Dysfunction Look like?

At home, executive dysfunction can manifest in a variety of ways that can be both frustrating and humorous. For instance, your child might struggle with simple tasks like getting dressed or completing chores, often becoming easily distracted or overwhelmed by the demands of the task at hand. You might find them starting multiple tasks but having difficulty finishing any of them, or forgetting what they were supposed to do altogether. Time management can be a particular challenge, with your child either losing track of time entirely or becoming fixated on one activity to the detriment of others. Additionally, you might notice difficulties in planning and organization, such as messy rooms or forgotten appointments. Despite your best efforts to establish routines and provide support, it may feel like navigating a maze of unpredictability and surprises.

At school, executive dysfunction may manifest in various ways, often impacting a child’s academic performance, social interactions, and behavior. Children with executive dysfunction may struggle with tasks such as organizing assignments, managing time effectively, following multi-step instructions, and maintaining focus in class. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions and impulses, leading to challenges in peer relationships and classroom behavior. Additionally, transitions between activities or changes in routines can be particularly challenging for these children, causing anxiety and frustration.

Knowing how to approach situations with your child and getting the right support in place can make a difference. By using different strategies and breaking down complex tasks into smaller parts, you can make it easier for your child to execute what is being asked. Let’s look at how you can support your child at home and at school.

Supporting Your Child at Home:

Establish Routines: Consistent routines provide structure and predictability, helping children with ADHD and autism feel more secure and in control.

Visual Supports: Use visual schedules, checklists, and timers to reinforce routines and provide clear expectations for tasks.

Break Tasks Down: Divide tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and offer support as needed. Celebrate small victories along the way to boost confidence.

Create Organizational Systems: Designate specific spaces for belongings and school materials to reduce clutter and make it easier for your child to find what they need.

Supporting Your Child at School:

Develop an IEP or 504 Plan: Work with your child’s school to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan that outlines specific accommodations and supports tailored to your child’s needs.

Develop an IEP or 504 Plan: Work with your child’s school to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan that outlines specific accommodations and supports tailored to your child’s needs.

Educate Teachers: Ensure that your child’s teachers understand their unique challenges and how they can best support them in the classroom. Regular communication is key to success.

Implement Accommodations: Provide accommodations such as extended time on assignments or tests, preferential seating, and access to assistive technology to help level the playing field for your child.

Encourage Self-Advocacy: Teach your child to advocate for themselves and communicate their needs effectively.

Encourage them to ask for help when necessary and to seek out resources available to them.

By employing these strategies both at home and in school, parents can empower their children to navigate the challenges of executive dysfunction with confidence and resilience. Remember, it’s not about erasing the quirks that make them who they are but embracing them and helping them thrive despite the rollercoaster of executive functioning. With patience, understanding, and unwavering support, anything is possible! If you need ideas for school-based accommodations, visit our website at www.studentadvocacymi.com for a free download with a list of accommodation ideas.