Executive Functioning, Neurodiversity and Early Childhood Development

I talk a lot about unlocking our children’s potential. When I think of executive functioning skills, that’s the first thing that comes to my mind. Executive functioning skills are crucial for helping our kiddos manage tasks, control impulses, and regulate their behavior. However, these skills are not innate, we aren’t just born with them. They are developed over time. Our ability to hold and use these skills is influenced by our experiences from infancy all the way through to adolescence. This development is influenced by so many different factors, from our genetic makeup to, most importantly, the environments we are exposed to early in life.

Executive functioning skills are skills we use each and every day, but for most, we don’t really notice them at all. They’re vital for children’s development, influencing how they perform in school, socialize with peers and family, and basically navigate their daily lives. One thing I’d like to shed light on is how important it is to recognize that these abilities can vary in so many ways among individuals.

There are so many things I regret about my time in the field, so many things I’d do differently if I ever went back, specifically regarding this topic. Executive functioning skills cover a range of abilities, including inhibition (controlling impulses), working memory (holding information), cognitive flexibility (adapting to new situations), planning and organization (setting goals and prioritizing tasks), and self-monitoring (evaluating one’s actions). For many kiddos, these skills are much harder to learn, especially with the way they’re approached or forced to learn them based on how everyone else does. Why didn’t I let that autistic student run down the hall when he so desperately needed to? Why did I stop him from learning these skills the way his body and mind so badly needed to, in a natural and empathetic way? I wish I knew how detrimental it would be to try and mold this child in a way that he just could never fit into. I carry this regret and think about it often and now hope to change the approach for others.

Each child’s brain functions uniquely, which leads to different strengths and challenges. For example, a child with ADHD might struggle with focus but excel in creativity, while a child on the autism spectrum might find flexibility and disruption in their routine challenging but demonstrate incredible attention to detail. Embracing neurodiversity means recognizing and supporting the unique strengths and challenges of each child and also catering to their unique needs with more focus - whether that be in the classroom or at home.

During early childhood, our kiddos are rapidly expanding their abilities to control impulses, follow directions, and regulate their emotions. I can see it with my two-year-old; those skills are hardly there, while my four-year-old is beginning to grasp them much better. My job as their parent is to provide a nurturing space with healthy boundaries and responsive communication to guide these skills to grow at their own unique pace. What that looks like for me might look very different for a parent or caregiver of another child. Specifically one who struggles with their executive functioning skills.

Some tips I use to help support my own kids’ executive functioning during their early childhood are:

• Establishing a consistent routine and schedule. From when my girls were three months old, I desperately needed a set routine for my own mental health, and the more I realized how important that routine was not only for me but also for them, I’ve held onto it tightly. Routine in our household has been and is a lifesaver. A consistent morning, afternoon, and bedtime routine is so important.

• I try my best to encourage play-based learning to help foster problem-solving and social skills.

• I break up tasks into small steps using transitions and “first-then” to help develop their planning and organization skills.

• Self-regulation is a big part of our day and one of the most important things to learn as a young learner. Modeling what problem-solving and regulation looks like is key!

• We praise a lot. Encouraging our kiddos is something we do all day long!

While working with my ASD kiddos, a few tips that really helped in supporting their executive functioning skills were:

• Visuals! Specifically, schedule visuals. Having a visual displayed in your kiddo’s space is a really helpful supporting tool for them to know what to expect throughout their day.

• Timers! Having a physical timer can really help make transitions go smoother.

• Provide clear instructions and repeat them as necessary to reinforce understanding.

• Teach self-regulation techniques, such as deep breathing and taking breaks, to help children manage their emotions.

• Help children set realistic goals and celebrate their achievements along the way.

• Foster flexible thinking by encouraging them to consider different perspectives and solutions to problems.

By incorporating these strategies into our daily routines, we can support our kiddos in developing and strengthening their executive functioning skills at their own unique pace and level. Each child is so unique, so it’s important to adapt these strategies to meet their individual needs and preferences. Let’s celebrate the diversity of minds and empower our children to thrive in their own way, at their own time, with their own strengths being recognized.

Thank you for reading.