Are We Telling the Wrong Story? Executive Functioning in Autistic & ADHD Children

Are they really refusing—or are we expecting their brain to do something it can't reliably access in that moment?

Executive functioning differences can look like laziness, carelessness, defiance, lack of motivation, "not listening," forgotten homework, unfinished assignments, meltdowns, or complete shutdown after school.

But those "behaviors" may be telling us a very different story.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why "try harder" often misses the real problem
• How working memory affects classroom performance
• Why multi-step verbal instructions can fall apart
• Why kids may complete assignments but never turn them in
• Why some neurodivergent kids are completely depleted after school
• How visual directions, checklists, chunking, routines, and external supports can help
• Why accommodations are about access—not special treatment
• Helpful ways to think about support in IEP and 504 meetings

The goal isn't to make neurodivergent kids try harder.

It's to give their brain what it needs.

🎒 Need school accommodation ideas?

You'll love the 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide! The guide includes practical, neurodiversity-affirming supports for executive functioning, academics, sensory needs, emotional regulation, social support, self-advocacy, and more, with examples of each accommodation. 

Parents, click here for the Guide

Therapists, click here for the Guide

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About Holly Blanc Moses: Holly Blanc Moses is an AuDHD psychologist with 28 years of experience. She is a speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses.

About The Podcast

The Autism ADHD Podcast is for parents and professionals who want a neurodiversity-affirming approach to supporting autistic and ADHD children and teens — with a focus on emotional regulation, executive functioning, mental health, and connection.