Executive functioning skills are essential for navigating daily life. They help us plan, focus attention, remember instructions, manage emotions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. For children with autism, executive functioning can present unique challenges that may affect their academic performance, social interactions, and overall independence. At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, we understand the impact these difficulties can have on families and offer evidence-based strategies—including ABA Therapy and parent training—to support children in developing executive functioning skills.
In this blog, we’ll explore what executive functioning is, how it affects children with autism, and what parents can do to help their child thrive at home, in school, and in everyday life.
What Is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning refers to a set of mental skills that include:
- Flexible thinking
- Self-control
- Task initiation
- Organization
- Planning
- Time management
- Emotional regulation
These skills are like the brain’s management system, allowing a person to set goals, make decisions, shift between tasks, and manage impulses.
Executive Functioning and Autism
Children with autism often struggle with one or more aspects of executive functioning. These challenges are not due to a lack of intelligence or motivation but are rooted in the neurological differences associated with autism. Some common executive functioning difficulties in children with autism include:
- Trouble starting or completing tasks
- Difficulty managing time or transitioning between activities
- Struggles with regulating emotions or behaviors
- Challenges with following multi-step directions
- Poor organization or difficulty remembering materials
These difficulties can be especially apparent in school settings, where students are expected to independently manage assignments, shift attention between tasks, and respond flexibly to changes in routine.
How ABA Therapy Supports Executive Functioning
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well-established and research-supported therapy that helps children with autism learn and strengthen a variety of skills—including those related to executive functioning.
At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, we use a combination of ABA strategies to target executive functioning in ways that are developmentally appropriate and individualized for each child. These may include:
- Task Analysis: Breaking complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps to teach sequencing and task completion.
- Prompting and Fading: Helping children get started with tasks and gradually reducing support as independence builds.
- Visual Supports: Using schedules, checklists, or timers to support planning, organization, and transitions.
- Reinforcement Systems: Encouraging motivation and self-regulation through reward-based systems.
- Self-Management Programs: Teaching children to monitor their own behaviors, track progress, and reflect on their actions.
Strategies for Parents at Home
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in helping children generalize executive functioning skills outside of therapy sessions. Here are several practical strategies families can use at home:
1. Establish Consistent Routines
Children with autism often do best with predictable routines. Establish a daily schedule with set times for waking up, meals, schoolwork, play, and bedtime. Use visual schedules or checklists to help your child anticipate what comes next.
2. Use Visual Supports
Calendars, to-do lists, and step-by-step instructions can support organization and independence. Place these tools where they are easily visible and accessible, like on a whiteboard in your child’s bedroom or a checklist on the refrigerator.
3. Practice Time Management
Help your child learn to track and manage time using timers, clocks, or apps. You can also practice time estimation skills by guessing how long tasks will take and then comparing it to the actual time.
4. Model and Practice Problem Solving
Talk through problems out loud and walk your child through the steps of identifying a problem, generating possible solutions, evaluating the outcomes, and choosing the best course of action.
5. Teach Emotional Regulation
Use calming strategies, social stories, and role-playing to teach your child how to manage frustration, disappointment, or anxiety. Visual emotion charts can also help children identify and express their feelings.
6. Build in Breaks
Breaks allow children to reset and refocus. Schedule regular short breaks between activities or tasks, and give your child choices for how to spend that time (e.g., jumping jacks, drawing, deep breathing).
7. Celebrate Progress
Executive functioning growth takes time. Celebrate small wins, and reinforce effort as much as success. A sticker chart or simple praise can go a long way in reinforcing positive behavior.
Parent Training at Solstice
Solstice offers comprehensive Parent Training as part of our services. We believe in empowering families with the tools and confidence to support their child’s learning at home and in the community.
Our Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) work closely with parents to model strategies, provide feedback, and offer ongoing support. Whether it’s improving your child’s morning routine, helping with homework time, or preparing for transitions, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
Additional Services at Solstice
Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting provides a wide array of services to support children with autism and their families, including:
We use evidence-based approaches like Natural Environment Teaching (NET), Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Verbal Behavior Therapy, and more to address the unique needs of each child.
Areas We Serve
Solstice is proud to serve families throughout New Haven County, including cities such as Milford, Shelton, Trumbull, Stratford, Fairfield, Easton, Monroe, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.
Conclusion
Executive functioning challenges can affect many areas of life for children with autism, but with the right support, these skills can be taught and strengthened over time. Through ABA therapy, parent training, and customized support plans, Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting helps families build lasting skills and foster independence.
If you’re ready to learn how Solstice can help your child with autism improve their executive functioning skills, contact our Shelton, CT office today at (203) 900-4720. We’re here to support you—and your child—every step of the way.
