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Executive function might sound like corporate jargon, but it’s actually one of the most crucial aspects of how your brain operates daily. Think of it as your brain’s “CEO”—the system that manages planning, organizing, focusing, and regulating emotions. When these skills work smoothly, life feels manageable. But when executive function struggles emerge, even simple tasks can become overwhelming sources of stress and frustration.
Want to know more about how executive function can affect daily life? Join our free Webinar: Demystifying Executive Function for Neurodivergent Minds.
August 11, 5pm PST, 8pm EST, 7pm CDT / August 12, 12pm NZST, 10am AEST
What is the Best Definition of Executive Function?
Executive function refers to a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. These skills help us focus attention, remember instructions, juggle multiple tasks successfully, and regulate our emotions and behaviour. Essentially, executive function is what allows us to plan ahead, stay organized, and adapt when things don’t go as expected.
The Three Main Components of Executive Function
Understanding executive function becomes clearer when we break it down into its three core components:
Working Memory
Working memory is your brain’s ability to hold information front of mind while using it. It’s what allows you to remember a phone number long enough to dial it, or follow multi-step instructions without losing track. When working memory struggles, people might forget what they were doing mid-task or lose track of important details.
Mental Flexibility (Cognitive Flexibility)
This is your brain’s ability to switch between thinking about different concepts or adapt when rules change. Mental flexibility helps you transition from one activity to another, see problems from different angles, and adjust when unexpected changes occur. Without it, people may get “stuck” in routines or have difficulty when plans change unexpectedly.
Inhibitory Control (Self-Control)
Inhibitory control helps you resist impulses, stay focused, and think before acting. It’s what stops you from interrupting others, helps you stick to a task even when it’s boring, and allows you to consider consequences before making decisions. When this system struggles, people may act impulsively or have difficulty controlling their emotional responses.
Why Are Your Executive Functions So Important?
Executive functions are foundational skills that make everything else possible. They’re what allow you to:
- Complete tasks from start to finish
- Manage time effectively
- Organize your thoughts, belongings, and priorities
- Control your emotions during stressful situations
- Make plans and follow through with them
- Learn from mistakes and adjust your approach
Without strong executive function skills, daily life becomes an uphill battle. Work projects remain unfinished, relationships suffer from emotional outbursts, and the constant struggle to stay organized creates ongoing stress and anxiety.
What Causes Poor Executive Functioning?
Poor executive functioning can stem from various factors:
Neurological Differences: Different learning styles (picture thinkers), neurodivergent brains, ADHD, autism and dyslexia often involve executive function challenges. The regions of the brain responsible for these skills may develop differently or function in unique ways for neurodiverse individuals.
Brain Injury or Trauma: Traumatic brain injuries, strokes, or other brain-related medical conditions can impact executive function abilities.
Stress and Mental Health: Chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma can significantly impact executive functioning, making it harder to focus, plan, and regulate emotions.
Developmental Factors: Some people may not have had opportunities to develop strong executive function skills during childhood, or may have missed learning key foundational concepts that support these abilities.
Is Poor Executive Function ADHD? Autism? Or Something Else?
This is a common source of confusion. Poor executive function isn’t a diagnosis itself—it’s a characteristic that can appear across many different neuro-types:
- ADHD frequently involves executive function challenges, particularly with attention, impulse control, and working memory
- Autism often includes executive function differences, especially around mental flexibility and transitions
- Dyslexia can involve working memory and organizational challenges
- Anxiety disorders can significantly impact executive functioning abilities
- Learning disabilities often co-occur with executive function struggles
However, executive function challenges can also exist independently without a formal diagnosis. Some people simply have brains that work differently and need targeted support to develop these crucial skills.
How Do You Fix Poor Executive Function?
The good news is that executive function skills can be improved, but the approach matters significantly. Traditional strategies often focus on external supports and behavioural modifications – things like planners, reminder systems, and time management techniques.
While these tools can be helpful, they don’t address the underlying issue: difficulty with abstract concepts that form the foundation of executive functioning.
The Davis Concepts for Life Program takes a different approach by helping individuals truly understand and internalize abstract concepts like time, sequence, cause and effect, and responsibility. Using hands-on, clay-based learning techniques, people develop a solid conceptual foundation that supports lasting executive function improvements.
Can Executive Functioning Skills Be Taught?
Absolutely! Executive functioning skills can be taught and strengthened at any age. However, the most effective approaches go beyond surface-level strategies to address the foundational concepts that support these skills.
The Davis Concepts for Life Workshop teaches parents, professionals, teachers, and support workers—as well as individuals struggling with executive function themselves—how to build these foundational skills using proven techniques that make abstract concepts concrete and understandable. Whether you’re supporting someone you care about or seeking tools for your own executive function challenges, by the end of this workshop you’ll have the skills to guide someone through nearly 50 abstract concepts that form the foundation of strong executive functioning.
Read the next post in this series: Why Traditional Executive Function Strategies Don’t Work for Neurodivergent Brains
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Now that you understand what executive function is and why it’s so crucial for daily life, you might be wondering: “What does this look like in real life, and how can it be addressed?”
We recently hosted an expert panel discussion where licensed Davis facilitators explored these exact questions. You’ll discover:
- How to distinguish between normal behavior and actual executive functioning challenges
- Why neurodivergent brains struggle with tasks that seem “simple” to others
- Real success stories from families who’ve found lasting solutions
- How the Davis approach differs from traditional strategies
Watch the replay now and get our FREE Executive Function Challenges Checklist – a comprehensive tool to help you identify specific areas where you or your loved one might need support.
Have questions? Contact us
When you or a loved one have just been diagnosed with autism, it can feel like entering uncharted territory. The diagnosis might bring relief, confusion, or a mix of both. You may be thinking “Now where do I find autism help?” or “Does this autism diagnosis help me in anyway?”
But beyond the label lies a journey of understanding, connection, and unlocking potential.
The reality of just being diagnosed with autism
Receiving an autism diagnosis often brings a cascade of emotions. For many, it provides answers to long-standing questions about why they experience the world differently. For others, especially adults who’ve spent years masking or adapting, it can be the reason that finally helps make sense of their life experiences.
Often, the journey to diagnosis is lengthy, leading to relief when long time suspicions are confirmed. This can quickly be replaced with feeling lost – now what? Depending on support needs, it may be time to start seeking support or finding accommodations that can help an individual thrive.
As Melanie Curry, Director of Davis Autism International, explained in a recent webinar on “The Importance of Life Concepts” often the Davis Autism Approach is discovered when many other avenues have been exhausted – something Davis Autism International is wanting to change.
“We are not about attempting to turn an autistic person into a non-autistic person. We simply want to help the individual overcome any struggles they might have and empower them to fully participate in the life that they choose,” says Melanie.
“Many families come to us feeling frustrated after trying numerous therapies without seeing meaningful progress,” Melanie adds. “What makes our approach different is that we start by understanding autism from the inside out, rather than imposing external expectations.”
This perspective is crucial – autism isn’t something to be “cured” but rather understood as a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world.
The Davis Autism Approach emerged from the mind of an autistic individual on the understanding that autistic people often experience overwhelm from the emotions and energy of those around them. Through tools like Auditory Orientation (the “Davis Ting”), Release, and Dial, the program helps autistic individuals develop accurate perceptions and regulate their focus, stress, and energy levels. These methods weren’t developed through external observation—they emerged from Ron Davis’ lived experience of what works for an autistic mind. Read how Ron created the Davis Method here.
“What makes Ron’s approach revolutionary,” Melanie explains, “is that it wasn’t developed by neurotypical researchers observing autistic behaviors from the outside. It came from Ron’s direct experience of what it means to be autistic and what actually helps an autistic mind function optimally in a world that isn’t designed for it.”
Ready to transform understanding into empowerment? Our Davis Autism Approach workshops provide practical tools for navigating life after diagnosis.
"Many families come to us feeling frustrated after trying numerous therapies without seeing meaningful progress. What makes our approach different is that we start by understanding autism from the inside out, rather than imposing external expectations."
Bridging the neurodivergent and neurotypical worlds
One of the key challenges after an autism diagnosis is recognizing the different ways autistic and non-autistic minds experience the same reality. It’s like two people standing in the same room, seeing entirely different worlds.
“What transforms lives in our work,” Melanie shares “is creating those moments when understanding flows both ways. When a parent suddenly glimpses the world through their child’s perspective, or when an autistic person recognizes why certain social interactions have always felt like navigating a foreign country without a map—those are the moments when real connection begins.”
This divide isn’t just conceptual because it creates real pain. The isolation many autistic individuals experience is devastating, with research showing they’re four times more likely to be socially isolated. A heartbreaking 80% report experiencing loneliness or depression, and they face five times the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Behind these statistics are real people longing to be understood, to find their place in a world that often feels designed for someone else.
When Life Concepts are fuzzy
Many individuals just diagnosed with autism struggle with executive function – the cognitive processes that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, juggle multiple tasks, and regulate emotions. These challenges aren’t always immediately obvious, but can significantly impact daily life.
Executive function difficulties occur when life concepts aren’t fully understood. Melanie explains, “Understanding these ideas can be challenging because they are often not concrete or visible. Concepts like ‘consequence’ or ’time’ are not tangible. They cannot be touched or seen. This makes them harder to grasp.”
“In our work with autistic individuals,” Melanie continues, “we’ve observed that when these abstract concepts become clear and concrete, many of the anxiety-producing challenges simply dissolve. It’s not about teaching someone to behave differently—it’s about helping them understand their world in a way that makes sense to them.”
(We have a whole blog post on these life concepts here or watch our webinar on the Importance of Life Concepts here)
When these life concepts aren’t concrete, it may manifest as:
- Trouble organizing thoughts and activities
- Difficulty shifting from one task to another
- Challenges with time management and sequencing
- Overwhelming feelings when faced with unexpected changes
These challenges aren’t due to a lack of intelligence or willingness – they reflect differences in how the autistic brain processes information and experiences the world.
Making abstract concepts concrete
The Davis Autism Approach offers a unique perspective on supporting autistic individuals. Rather than trying to “fix” autism, it focuses on making abstract concepts concrete and understandable, thereby reducing anxiety and confusion.
“What we’ve found,” Melanie shares, “is that when we make these abstract concepts tangible through clay modelling and experiential learning, we see remarkable transformations. An individual who couldn’t handle change suddenly develops flexibility. Someone who struggled with time management begins to understand sequences and planning.”
Three particularly important concepts include:
Responsibility
Responsibility involves ability, motivation, and control. Responsibility does not happen if you have motivation, but do not have the ability to control (cause change). Similarly, you will not end up taking responsibility if motivation is lacking.For neurodivergent individuals, responsibility can feel overwhelming. They may take on too much or avoid it altogether.
When responsibility is unclear, individuals may:
- Refuse certain tasks
- Blame others for mistakes
- Take on too much
- Struggle with boundaries
When responsibility is mastered and internalized, we see individuals who:
- Own appropriate responsibilities
- Set stronger boundaries
- Work well both independently and in groups
- Maintain healthier relationships
Change
Change happens constantly around us, but when this concept isn’t clear, it can cause:
- Discomfort with new experiences
- Reluctance to try new things
- Inflexibility and need for control
- Specific anxieties around certain triggers
Making change concrete helps individuals recognize it as a natural part of life, reducing fears and building adaptability.
Time
Understanding time is about more than reading a clock – it’s about grasping how time relates to change and sequencing. When time is a fuzzy concept, it leads to:
- Inability to estimate how long activities will take
- Anxiety about being late or having to wait
- Difficulty planning and prioritizing
- Challenges with understanding cause and effect
By experiencing time concretely, these anxieties can diminish significantly.
Experience how the Davis Autism Approach makes abstract concepts concrete in our hands-on workshops. Participants report reduced anxiety and increased confidence within weeks. See workshop details →
How to navigate a non-autistic world
If you or someone you love has just been diagnosed with autism, remember that the diagnosis is just the beginning of understanding, not the end. The goal isn’t to make autistic individuals less autistic, but to give them tools to navigate a predominantly non-autistic world with less anxiety and more confidence.
As Richard Whitehead, Director of Davis UK and Ireland, shared about a young Davis Autism Approach client:
“What I’m now hearing from the family is that she’s now coming home very happy, very confident each day. She has started performing on stage… It’s just this sort of domino effect that occurs when these pieces get put into place. Then a person starts to feel more in control of their life.”
Stories like these aren’t rare—they’re what we see regularly with our transformational workshops and programs. You can read Sam’s story, Albert’s story or Logan and Elises’s story – all have taken part in either a program or a workshop.
Join families who’ve discovered new possibilities through Davis. Book a free Discovery Call to discuss your situation →
This approach honors neurodiversity while acknowledging that certain concepts, when unclear, can cause significant distress. By making abstract concepts concrete and understandable, autistic individuals can gain:
- Better sensory integration and balance
- Increased ability to self-regulate
- Improved balance and coordination
- Enhanced ability to learn from experiences
- Deeper understanding of others’ perspectives
- Reduced anxiety and fear
"What I find most rewarding in our work, is seeing the relief on families' faces when they realize that their loved one's autism isn't something to fix—it's something to understand and work with. When we shift from trying to eliminate autistic traits to empowering autistic individuals with tools to navigate the world on their own terms, everything changes."
Embracing autistic potential
Temple Grandin, a renowned autistic author and speaker, once said: “The world needs all kinds of minds.” This sentiment encapsulates the importance of embracing neurodiversity while supporting autistic individuals to fulfil their potential.
“What I find most rewarding in our work,” says Melanie, “is seeing the relief on families’ faces when they realize that their loved one’s autism isn’t something to fix—it’s something to understand and work with. When we shift from trying to eliminate autistic traits to empowering autistic individuals with tools to navigate the world on their own terms, everything changes.”
For those just diagnosed with autism, remember that your unique perspective is valuable. The challenges you face aren’t character flaws but differences in how you process and experience the world. With appropriate understanding and support, these challenges can be addressed without diminishing your autistic identity.
The journey after diagnosis isn’t about becoming less autistic – it’s about gaining clarity, reducing anxiety, and finding your place in a world that isn’t always designed for your neurotype. It’s about building bridges of understanding between different ways of perceiving and experiencing life.
By focusing on making abstract concepts concrete and building mutual understanding, we can create a world where both autistic and non-autistic individuals can thrive together, each bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to the table.
Remember: you are not broken and in need of fixing. You’re differently wired, with both challenges and strengths that come with that wiring. The goal is to honour who you are while equipping you with tools to navigate the world with confidence and authenticity.
“Our ultimate goal,” Melanie concludes, “is independence and self-empowerment. We want every autistic individual to have the tools they need to live the life they choose—not the life others choose for them. When we see our participants discover their own capabilities and begin charting their own course, that’s when we know our approach is truly making a difference.”
Take the next step in your post-diagnosis journey. Our specialized Davis Autism Approach Workshops honor neurodiversity while providing practical tools for daily challenges.
Register for the next workshop →
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The Davis Method difference: Created by neurodivergent minds for neurodivergent minds. Our founder Ron Davis developed these approaches through his own autism journey, ensuring our methods work from the inside out. Learn about our unique methodology → or join our mailing list to stay up to date with workshops, resources and stories of other autistic journeys →
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