5 Back to School Executive Function Boosters for Neurospicy Kids, Teens, and Adults
Our licensed neurodiversity affirming therapists in Bethesda, MD have 5 tips to strengthen executive function skills at every age and stage
Back to school time is a great time to establish new routines and plan for success. For yourself and for your child, teen, or young adult. Want to start with boosting your own executive function skills? Scroll down to the adult section and start there. And, of course, whenever you get stuck a neurodiversity affirming therapist can help!
Why Neurodivergent Kids and Teens Need EF Skills Explicitly Taught
Neurodivergent learners—such as those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or anxiety—often do not pick up EF skills automatically.
You already know your child, teen, or young adult is intelligent, creative, and highly capable. You also know that they sometimes need to do things their own way. Here’s why they may need a little extra help building their executive function skills:
They may not “absorb” routines by watching others.
They may struggle with internal motivation or need external cues to start and finish tasks.
They may have slower development in key EF areas, like flexible thinking, planning, or emotional regulation.
They may over-focus on details or get “stuck” and need tools to zoom out or shift perspectives.
This means EF needs to be taught explicitly, like a school subject. Unfortunately, it isn’t taught in most schools. That means it’s up to us as parents to model the skill we want our child to learn. When we practice it in real life situations, the learning is more likely to stick. Using visuals, sensory tools, and repetition helps. And of course, showing patience and celebrating small wins along the way makes the process go more smoothly.
Understanding Different Timelines for Neurodivergent Learners
For neurotypical kids, EF skills tend to develop gradually and automatically through school, social experiences, and home life. Neurodivergent kids may need more time and support—and that’s okay.
The timeline is different, not broken.
As you read through the ages and stages below, just keep in mind that every child is different. Your family may still be working on one skill from early childhood while also moving into strategies we put in the teen section. Just keep moving along your child’s path and provide tools that scaffold their growth to the next step.
Building School Readiness in Kids with Executive Function Difficulties (the preschool years)
Even toddlers can benefit from routines and memory-boosting activities as they begin preschool or structured childcare.
Use Picture Routines for Morning Transitions
EF skill: Sequencing, time management
Game-ify it! Point to each picture and make a sound (ding!) when it’s complete.
Make it Multisensory: Use felt boards, textured visuals, or laminated cards with Velcro.
Language tip: Say, “First shoes. Then coat. Then school!”Name Feelings During Drop-Off or Change
EF skill: Emotional regulation
Game-ify it! Use a “feelings spinner” or choose from a feelings chart with faces.
Make it Multisensory: Point, touch, and say the emotion out loud together.
Language tip: “You feel sad. That’s okay. I’ll be back.”Practice Waiting with Turn-Taking Songs
EF skill: Inhibitory control (impulse control)
Game-ify it! Sing “My Turn, Your Turn” and pass a puppet or toy.
Make it Multisensory: Clap, tap, or stomp in rhythm to help pacing.
Language tip: “Wait... Now go!”Narrate Transitions to Build Predictability
EF skill: Flexibility and planning
Game-ify it! Pretend to be a “transition robot” giving the next instruction.
Make it Multisensory: Act it out with motions or gestures.
Language tip: “Time to clean up. Next is circle time.”Use Hide-and-Find Games
EF skill: Working memory
Game-ify it! Hide classroom items or favorite toys and give clues.
Make it Multisensory: Add textures, sounds, or scents to clues (e.g., soft bunny, loud bell).
Language tip: “Where was it last time? Let’s look!”
Strengthen Executive Function in the Early Elementary Years (K - 2)
Children in this stage are learning classroom routines, impulse control, and how to follow multi-step directions.
Morning Checklist with Pictures
EF skill: Organization, planning
Game-ify it! Let them “check off” with stamps or stickers.
Make it Multisensory: Use tactile visuals or draw the steps with puffy paint or textures.
Language tip: “First get dressed. Then backpack. Last, snack.”Use a Color-Coded Daily Schedule
EF skill: Time management, cognitive flexibility
Game-ify it! Pick a favorite color for each activity. “Green = math. Red = snack!”
Make it Multisensory: Move physical items (tokens, magnets) on a board.
Language tip: “Red time is snack. Blue time is reading.”Play “What’s Missing?” with School Items
EF skill: Working memory
Game-ify it! Place five items out, then remove one and guess which.
Make it Multisensory: Let the child touch or arrange the items themselves.
Language tip: “What’s gone? What did you see before?”Use Body Movement to Act Out Rules
EF skill: Self-regulation
Game-ify it! Turn classroom rules into gestures (e.g., hand over mouth = quiet).
Make it Multisensory: Pair visual cue cards with body actions.
Language tip: “Show me ‘walking feet’!”Practice Flexible Thinking with Role-Switching
EF skill: Cognitive flexibility
Game-ify it! Pretend to be teacher/student, or switch roles with a stuffed animal.
Make it Multisensory: Use costumes or props.
Language tip: “You be the teacher! What do we do now?”
Use Routines to Boost EF Skills in for Neurodivergent Kids in Grades 3 - 5
This is a prime time for building independent routines and internal motivation—critical at the start of a new school year. Here are a few ways to build those skills.
Visual Homework Tracker
EF skill: Task initiation, organization
Game-ify it! Move paperclips or stickers to a “done” jar.
Make it Multisensory: Use dry-erase boards with color-coded subjects.
Language tip: “Math = blue. Reading = green.”Use “Before-Then” Statements for Transitions
EF skill: Planning and prioritizing
Game-ify it! Spin a wheel to see what comes “before” and “then.”
Make it Multisensory: Draw or use action cards to represent each task.
Language tip: “Before video games, then homework.”Build a Backpack Routine
EF skill: Organization
Game-ify it! Create a “packing race” with a timer.
Make it Multisensory: Have a sensory bin with supplies they must find and pack.
Language tip: “Check: folder? lunch? book?”Create a Calm-Down Toolbox
EF skill: Emotional regulation
Game-ify it! Earn new items to add to the toolbox each week.
Make it Multisensory: Include tactile items (fidgets), scented putty, or weighted objects.
Language tip: “Use calm-down box when mad or worried.”Use Movement-Based Brain Breaks
EF skill: Attention, self-monitoring
Game-ify it! “Roll the dice” to get your break activity (e.g., 5 jumping jacks).
Make it Multisensory: Use sound cues and visual instructions.
Language tip: “Let’s move to reset our brains!”
The transition to middle school is often tough for tweens with ADHD and autism. Executive Function strategies can help.
Middle school brings rotating classes, new teachers, and a need for internal structure. These tools can boost executive function at this age.
Weekly Planner with Visual Themes
EF skill: Planning and time management
Game-ify it! Let them design their own color-coded icons.
Make it Multisensory: Use stickers, washi tape, highlighters.
Language tip: Keep one idea per line: “Math test – Thursday.”Use “What’s the Plan?” Boards
EF skill: Flexibility and future thinking
Game-ify it! Match pictures of tasks to order them on the board.
Make it Multisensory: Use Velcro strips, magnets, or textured cards.
Language tip: “Plan = First. Then. Last.”Create a Locker or Binder System
EF skill: Organization
Game-ify it! Turn it into a “locker makeover” challenge.
Make it Multisensory: Label with color, shape, and texture cues.
Language tip: “Red folder = science. Blue = ELA.”Practice Self-Talk Scripts
EF skill: Self-monitoring and motivation
Game-ify it! Record and play back their own voice saying phrases.
Make it Multisensory: Add hand gestures or draw the phrases.
Language tip: “I can try.” “Step one is…”Use Emoji Journaling
EF skill: Reflection and emotional awareness
Game-ify it! Match your day to an emoji and explain why.
Make it Multisensory: Use stickers, stamps, or clay to make the emojis.
Language tip: “😊 = good moment. 😡 = hard moment.”
Ages 14-16: Help your neurosparkly teen build high school habits & stress management skills
High school brings higher expectations, increased social stress, and even more need for internal structure. Teens often “know” what to do, but executive function helps them actually do it—especially at the beginning of a new school year.
How a neurodiversity affirming therapist can help your teen build executive function skills
Your role is changing at this stage too. It’s often helpful to outsource the skill building to a therapist at this stage, so your teen doesn’t feel micromanaged and starts to prepare to handle things without your help. An ADHD or autism therapist (or you) can use these tools with your teen.
1. Organize with Weekly Visual Planners
EF skill: Time management, planning
Game-ify it!: Use a points system to earn screen time or privileges by completing planning sessions.
Make it Multisensory: Use color-coded pens/highlighters, sticky notes, or textured paper.
Language tip: Use a “3-box” layout: Must do, Should do, Want to do
2. Use Task Chunking for Long Assignments
EF skill: Task initiation, prioritization
Game-ify it!: Create “mini levels” like a video game—each chunk is a level to beat
Make it Multisensory: Move sticky notes across a board or timeline as each task is completed
Language tip: Write short, action-based steps: “Find 3 articles,” “Write intro,” “Edit”
3. Teach the “Pause → Plan → Proceed” Strategy
EF skill: Emotional regulation, flexible thinking
Game-ify it!: Use a “pause” card they can flash when overwhelmed (can earn points for using it)
Make it Multisensory: Pair the card with deep breathing, holding a grounding object, or movement
Language tip: “Pause. What’s the plan? Let’s do the next step.”
4. Use Visual Schedules for Morning/Evening Routines
EF skill: Organization and transitions
Game-ify it!: Create a “routine race” to beat your personal best time
Make it Multisensory: Use dry-erase boards with icons, or a checklist with Velcro/tactile pieces
Language tip: Keep it to “First, Then, Last” steps with icons or pictures
5. Role-Play Social and School Scenarios
EF skill: Cognitive flexibility, self-monitoring
Game-ify it!: Play “Choose Your Own Adventure” where they pick responses to situations
Make it Multisensory: Use props, apps, or act out body language
Language tip: Practice scripts: “If they say ___, I can say ___”
Executive Function strategies for the “adulting” years: Ages 17–19
Late teens may be entering their final high school years, transitioning to college, or joining the workforce. They benefit from systems that build follow-through, self-awareness, and long-term planning—especially during the adjustment period of a new school year.
1. Use Digital or Visual Habit Trackers
EF skill: Task initiation, self-monitoring
Game-ify it!: Earn badges or streaks for keeping up habits
Make it Multisensory: Pair visuals with music or sound cues (e.g., alarms with labels)
Language tip: Label habits clearly: “Check planner,” “Pack bag,” “Start assignment”
2. Teach the “Two-Minute Rule”
EF skill: Task initiation
Game-ify it!: Set a timer—“Can you do it in 2 minutes?”
Make it Multisensory: Use a sand timer, vibrating watch, or visual countdown app
Language tip: “If it takes under 2 minutes, do it now.”
3. Plan Weekly with a Sunday Reset
EF skill: Planning, reflection
Game-ify it!: Earn rewards for planning ahead + reflecting on the past week
Make it Multisensory: Include music, snacks, candles, or a favorite fidget during planning time
Language tip: “Last week I finished ___. This week I want to try ___.”
4. Use Mind Mapping or Visual Organizers
EF skill: Organization, planning for writing or projects
Game-ify it!: Use colored branches and assign points to each complete part
Make it Multisensory: Draw with markers, use large paper or digital visual tools like Miro or Canva
Language tip: Use simple prompts like: “Main idea → 3 facts → 1 conclusion”
5. Practice Short Self-Talk Scripts for Tricky Situations
EF skill: Emotional regulation, self-monitoring
Game-ify it!: Create a “script deck” and pick one like a card game when needed
Make it Multisensory: Write the scripts on textured index cards or add visuals/emojis
Language tip: Keep it brief: “I can do hard things.” “Just start.” “One step at a time.”
Ages 20–24: Executive function skills for the neurodiverse adult’s transition to independence
Whether in college, work, or learning environments, this age group often hits an EF wall when support structures fall away. Early adulthood EF support is not remedial—it's life-sustaining.
1. Create Systems for Managing Time and Deadlines
EF skill: Time management, self-monitoring
Game-ify it!: Use progress bars or habit-tracking apps like Habitica or Notion
Make it Multisensory: Try calendar apps with color themes and alerts that vibrate or play a sound
Language tip: Label deadlines visually: “Due by Friday = red!”
2. Use Visual Budgeting Tools
EF skill: Planning, decision-making
Game-ify it!: Set financial goals and earn points for staying on track. Try banking apps like acorns that help with setting money aside.
Make it Multisensory: Use tangible envelopes, tactile budgeting boards, or budgeting apps with visuals
Language tip: Use icons: 💰 for income, 🛒 for spending, 🐷 for saving
3. Build a Personal “Success Toolkit”
EF skill: Emotional regulation, self-awareness
Game-ify it!: Add new items to the toolbox as they discover what works
Make it Multisensory: Include physical tools (noise-canceling headphones, fidgets), scented putty, or movement
Language tip: “When I feel __, I can use __.”
4. Practice Scripted Planning for New Environments
EF skill: Task initiation, flexible thinking
Game-ify it!: Pretend to be a “life detective” solving the puzzle of how to get things done
Make it Multisensory: Use audio recordings or videos to practice steps (e.g., how to email a professor)
Language tip: “Step 1: Write hello. Step 2: Ask question. Step 3: Sign name.”
5. Reflect Weekly with Visual Prompts
EF skill: Metacognition
Game-ify it!: Use visual journaling with icons, stickers, or collage
Make it Multisensory: Combine writing, drawing, music, or voice recordings
Language tip: “What went well?” “What was hard?” “What will I try next time?”
Adulthood: Ongoing EF for a Neurodiversity Affirming Life
Even in adulthood, EF continues to shape our ability to manage work, relationships, health, and life transitions—especially at the start of a new job, semester, or phase of life.
1. Simplify with Visual Planning Boards
EF skill: Task management
Game-ify it!: Use a color-coded Kanban board—“To Do, Doing, Done”
Make it Multisensory: Move sticky notes by hand, use magnetic boards, or Trello-style apps
Language tip: Label tasks in short action steps: “Call doc,” “Buy gift,” “Send email”
2. Use Timers for Focused Work Blocks
EF skill: Attention, time estimation
Game-ify it!: Use the Pomodoro technique (25 min work + 5 min break). Count completed blocks
Make it Multisensory: Use visual timers, vibrating alarms, or music playlists to mark work periods
Language tip: “Work ‘til timer. Then break.”
3. Set SMART Goals
EF skill: Goal-setting and follow-through
Game-ify it!: Create a scoreboard or goal tracker and celebrate milestones
Make it Multisensory: Draw, speak, or act out the goals. Use progress visuals
Language tip: “I will (do what) by (when) so that (why).”
4. Use Scripts for Managing Stressful Conversations
EF skill: Cognitive flexibility, self-regulation
Game-ify it!: Role-play tough conversations with a trusted person
Make it Multisensory: Write, speak, and rehearse with gestures or grounding objects
Language tip: Start with: “I feel __ when __. I need __.”
5. Review Wins to Boost Confidence
EF skill: Metacognition, motivation
Game-ify it!: Keep a “Win Jar” and add notes about successful tasks
Make it Multisensory: Use voice memos, sticky notes, photos, or tokens
Language tip: “I did it!” “This worked for me.” “Next time, I’ll try __.”
It’s never too late to start strengthening your executive function. However, starting early does have some specific benefits.
How Strengthening Executive Function Helps with Social Anxiety and School Refusal
Executive function is like the brain’s “air traffic control” system—it helps kids plan, shift attention, manage emotions, start tasks, and remember what they’re supposed to do next. When these skills are weak or underdeveloped, school can feel chaotic, unpredictable, or overwhelming—especially for kids who are already anxious or socially unsure.
Here’s how EF development supports mental health and school engagement:
1. Reduces Overwhelm by Breaking Tasks into Steps
Many kids with social anxiety or school refusal feel stuck not because they don’t want to succeed—but because they can’t figure out where to start.
EF skill involved: Task initiation, planning
Supportive EF strategy: Visual checklists, to-do lists, and routines give a concrete plan that makes the day feel doable.
Example: Instead of “I can’t do this math homework,” the student learns: “Step 1: Open notebook. Step 2: Do problem #1.”
2. Increases Predictability- helpful for autists and ADHDers in particular
Uncertainty fuels anxiety. Strengthened EF helps kids anticipate what’s coming and manage transitions more smoothly.
EF skill involved: Working memory, future thinking
Supportive EF strategy: Schedules, calendars, and visual routines reduce surprises and allow for mental preparation.
Example: A student with anxiety about lunchtime knows from their visual schedule: “First math, then lunch, then art.”
3. Improves Emotion Regulation for neurodivergent learners
School refusal is often a behavioral expression of emotional overload. When EF helps kids manage those feelings, they can stay more engaged and recover more quickly from hard moments.
EF skill involved: Inhibitory control, self-regulation
Supportive EF strategy: Tools like breathing visuals, calm-down kits, or “pause and plan” prompts reduce meltdowns or shutdowns.
Example: Instead of hiding in the bathroom all day, a student learns to ask for a 5-minute reset break using a pre-planned signal.
4. Supports Social Problem-Solving
Kids with social anxiety often overthink, freeze up, or misread social cues. EF skills help them plan what to say, shift perspectives, and try again if things go wrong.
EF skill involved: Flexible thinking, self-monitoring
Supportive EF strategy: Scripted role-play, visual social maps, and “what if” games teach kids how to respond in tricky situations.
Example: A teen learns how to say “Can I sit here?” or “I’m not sure—what do you think?” instead of going silent or walking away.
5. Builds Confidence and Motivation
When EF strategies make school feel more manageable, kids experience more success. And small successes build motivation and reduce avoidance.
EF skill involved: Metacognition (thinking about your thinking), goal setting
Supportive EF strategy: Celebrating completed tasks, using “what went well” reflections, and scaffolding goals builds self-trust.
Example: A student who feared giving a class presentation starts by reading one sentence out loud in a small group—and builds from there.
