Supporting Neurodivergent Adults with Executive Function Challenges

Written By Jen McNaughton

At Arnica Mental Health, we honor the rich diversity of neurodivergent brains—whether ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or beyond—and recognize how uniquely executive function (EF) unfolds for each individual. Planning, organizing, and initiation can feel like scaling mountains, which is why non-pathologizing, strength-informed strategies are essential for empowerment and autonomy.

Understanding Executive Function Differences

Executive functions—our internal toolkit for planning, working memory, time management, and cognitive flexibility—often flow differently in neurodivergent adults. These aren’t deficits but distinct wiring that calls for supportive scaffolds to help you thrive.

Medication: A Tool, Not the Whole Toolbox

Medication, especially stimulants, can offer powerful short-term relief for ADHD-related EF challenges—but it isn’t a complete or lasting solution.

  • A comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials confirms meaningful short-term improvements in core symptoms and functional gains within three months of stimulant use.

  • For long-term outcomes, the evidence is mixed. Sustained benefits appear more likely when treatment starts early, but we lack robust, long-duration controlled trials to guide personalized care plans.

Medication can be a helpful support—especially when paired with daily, resilient strategies that align with neurodivergent experience.

Strategies for Strength-Based Executive Support

1. Assistive Technologies for Cognition (ATC)
In 2024, a scoping review in the Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering found that digital planners, reminder apps, and visual tracking tools show great promise for promoting independence and compensating for EF challenges. These technologies are most effective when designed with user needs front and center—emphasizing personalization, flexibility, and respect.

2. Body Doubling for Focus & Grounding
While controlled studies are still emerging, body doubling—working alongside someone else physically or virtually—has strong anecdotal and thematic support. The Cleveland Clinic describes it as an external executive support that anchors focus by modeling productive behavior. Many neurodivergent individuals find it a gentle, effective way to enhance attention and reduce distraction.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Approaches for EF in ASD
A 2024 meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with high-functioning autism found meaningful improvements in executive functions. While more research is needed for adults, the findings suggest structured, supportive coaching and CBT may benefit EF development across neurodivergent profiles.

4. Emerging Mixed Reality and AI Supports
Innovative tech is stepping in with promise. A 2025 study introduced “Understood,” a Mixed Reality tool using Microsoft HoloLens. It provides real-time conversation summarization, cueing, and topic transition support for adults with ADHD—addressing communication breakdowns linked to EF disruptions. Though still early, these tools hint at exciting new ways to support executive functioning.

Why Neurodiversity-Informed EF Strategies Matter

These approaches do more than accommodate differences—they honor them.

  • Empower, don’t penalize, your natural wiring

  • Build autonomy through permission and design—not pressure

  • Leverage strengths like hyperfocus and pattern recognition

  • Bridge intention with action using practical, accessible scaffolds

Envisioning a Day of Executive Function Support

Let’s bring these strategies into a real-world rhythm. Here’s how a day might gently support your executive functioning needs—without pressure or overwhelm:

Morning
Start the day with a digital reminder app and a visual schedule. This helps map out your first tasks without decision fatigue.

Midday
Engage in a body doubling session—either in person or online. Combine this with a short movement break to refresh focus and reduce restlessness.

Afternoon
Use assistive technologies like timers or AI-generated task lists to guide your work session. Set up supportive cues to keep transitions smooth.

Evening
End with a reflection ritual. Note what went well, where you felt grounded, and prep a simple routine for tomorrow—no over-planning needed.

References

  1. Spalla G. et al. (2024). Assistive technologies designed to support executive function impairments while promoting independence: A scoping review. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering.

  2. Pasqualotto A. et al. (2021). Meta-analysis on executive function training outcomes in individuals with ADHD and ASD. Frontiers in Psychology.

  3. Cleveland Clinic (2025). Understanding body doubling for ADHD: What it is and how it works. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.

  4. Zhang K. et al. (2025). Understood: Mixed Reality conversation support for adults with ADHD. arXiv preprint.

  5. Meta-analysis of CBT intervention in high-functioning autism and executive function outcomes. ResearchGate, 2024.

  6. Li S. et al. (2025). Executive functioning outcomes in early ADHD treatment: Longitudinal findings. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation.



Jen McNaughton
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