A student’s behavior in class may be a reflection of challenges with executive function in autism, a common trait in individuals on the spectrum. Executive functioning skills impulse control, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and organization.
For example, a student’s outbursts, difficulty managing their schoolwork, and challenges in social interactions may stem from these difficulties in executive function.
Improving executive functioning skills in autism can help children manage emotions, stay organized, and interact more effectively with peers. We’ve tailored executive function autism strategies for different age groups to support children in overcoming these challenges.
1. Teach simple relaxation techniques
Teaching autistic children simple relaxation techniques can be very effective in managing impulses. Your child needs to learn to recognize when they are starting to lose control and then implement these techniques before the situation gets out of hand.
In order to help your child use calming techniques, you can take a picture of them posing with an “upset” face and an “angry” face. Next to each face, write calming strategies or ways of seeking help that he can use when he starts to feel this way.
You can practice using the card and the relaxation techniques at home. Relaxation techniques include taking deep breaths or counting to 10.
In addition to relaxation techniques, your child may benefit from learning to walk away from a person who is making them angry or asking a teacher for help.
For example, your child may be triggered by loud music on the bus. Talk with the bus driver and/or teacher about realistic modifications that can help them maintain control.
This may be as simple as your child wearing headphones to listen to their own music or posting a card with their calming strategies on the bus seat.
2. Teach flexibility through fun and everyday changes
You can show your child how to be flexible by showing him how things can change, saying it is “no big deal.” You can illustrate this by taking an ordinary object, like a funnel, and turning it into a party hat, trumpet, or unicorn.
Another thing you could do is read the book Amelia Bedelia, where the heroine takes everything literally. You and your child can talk about what Amelia can do differently in each situation she is presented with.
Finally, you can make up new rules for games, such as having players slide down ladders and walk up slides in Chutes and Ladders or putting the bases in reverse order in kickball.
You can also make very small changes in your child’s daily routine to help him learn to deal with unexpected changes. Give your child scripted phrases to use, such as “no big deal,” to let him know that change is OK.
Share these phrases with the teacher so that she can also use them with your child.
3. Improve working memory with active strategies
If your child struggles with working memory, try these helpful strategies:
- Have your child teach you the steps of a task.
- Show them how to use a graphic organizer.
- Use fun mnemonics, like “Roy G. Biv” to remember the rainbow colors.
If your child prefers multisensory activities, you can try techniques such as:
- Writing down what needs to be done.
- Having your child repeat it out loud.
- Tossing a ball back and forth while repeating the information again.
This may sound like a lot to do, but it is fun and may keep them from becoming frustrated because they can’t remember what they have been asked to do. Share this with their teacher to make work assignments less frustrating.
4. Use color-coding and visuals to improve organizational skills
A variety of simple techniques can be used to help your child with organizational skills. These will be especially helpful for all of you wondering how to build executive functioning skills.
You may want to teach your child to use color-coded sticky notes to mark important pages in books and assignments. They could also use their smartphones to write important dates and set daily reminder alarms.
Other tools that may be helpful include:
- visual checklists,
- backpacks with different colored pockets,
- caddies,
- colored pocket folders, and more.
A very helpful technique is to keep a homework assignment notebook. The teacher can review it at the end of the day to ensure all assignments are listed, and you can check it at home as well.
5. Encourage self-monitoring by setting clear goals
Self-monitoring can be accomplished by identifying a few specific behaviors your child can work on at home and school.
For example, you may select “Say ‘hi’ to people when you walk into a room” and “Ask others how their day is.” Avoid vague behaviors such as “be good” and “be nice.” Write these behaviors on a card that your child can carry.
When opportunities come up for your child to exhibit the behavior, ask them if they did what was on the card. If they did, give them a high-five.
If not, gently remind them what they should try to remember to do. Share this with your child’s teachers so they can follow through at school.
Executive functioning in autism
We hope these tips will be helpful as you work with your child. While developing executive functioning skills can be challenging, using these strategies can contribute to a happier and less stressful overall experience.
Remember to take small steps in improving autism and executive functioning skills. Stay patient, and remember to take care of yourself, too. If it becomes too challenging for you and your child, make sure to seek professional help.
This article was featured in Issue 52 – Celebrating the Voices of Autism
FAQs
Q: What is autism executive function?
A: Autism executive function refers to the cognitive processes that help an individual plan, organize, and manage tasks. It involves skills such as working memory, attention control, problem-solving, and flexibility, which may be affected in individuals with autism.
Q: How to fix executive dysfunction in autism?
A: To address executive dysfunction in autism, individuals can use strategies like visual schedules, step-by-step instructions, and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts. Consistent routines, organizational tools, and reminders can also support task completion and decision-making.
Q: What is emotional regulation in autism?
A: Emotional regulation in autism refers to the ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in an appropriate way. Individuals with autism may struggle with recognizing, expressing, or controlling their emotions, leading to difficulties in social situations.
Q: How do you self-regulate autism?
A: Self-regulation in autism can be supported through techniques such as deep breathing, sensory breaks, mindfulness practices, or using calming tools. Creating a predictable environment, setting personal goals, and practicing coping strategies also help individuals manage emotions and reactions.
Q: What are some examples of executive function in autism?
A: Executive function autism examples include planning and organizing a daily schedule, initiating and completing tasks, managing time, and switching between different activities or tasks. Challenges in these areas may result in difficulty with transitions or handling unexpected changes in routine.
References
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Friedman, L., & Sterling, A. (2019, August). A review of language, executive function, and intervention in autism spectrum disorder. In Seminars in speech and language (Vol. 40, No. 04, pp. 291-304). Thieme Medical Publishers. https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0039-1692964
St. John, T., Woods, S., Bode, T., Ritter, C., & Estes, A. (2022). A review of executive functioning challenges and strengths in autistic adults. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 36(5), 1116-1147. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13854046.2021.1971767
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Cavalli, G., Galeoto, G., Sogos, C., Berardi, A., & Tofani, M. (2022). The efficacy of executive function interventions in children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 22(1), 77-84. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14737175.2022.2011215
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