Executive Function

Executive functions help regulate thoughts and actions. They work differently in autistic people.

Common Challenges

Initiation: Can't start tasks—even desired ones. No bridge between wanting and doing.

Working memory: Hard to hold multiple things in mind.

Time blindness: Losing track of time, underestimating duration.

Flexibility: Hard to shift between tasks.

"Have you ever had a movie you really wanted to see, but instead watched the clock tick until it was too late?" — Autistic adult

Difficulty starting OR stopping activities.

"I'll sit there wanting to go to bed for 3 hours but can't make myself move." — Autistic adult

Not laziness—neurological.

"If I have a dentist appointment at 2pm, my entire day is just... waiting." — Autistic adult

What helps: Schedule appointments early or late in day.

Having someone present—not helping, just existing—makes tasks possible. Works in-person, video call, or recorded streams.

Initiation: External prompts, body doubling, tiny first steps.

Working memory: Write things down immediately. Use checklists.

Time: Visual timers, buffer time, alarms.

EF challenges are neurological and improve with external support, not willpower.