Category: Identity and Self Concept
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How Autism Affects Executive Function: a Neurobiological Perspective
Executive function in autism is often disrupted due to differences in brain structure, chemistry, and connectivity. Executive function involves a set of cognitive processes that allow us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, manage emotions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. These skills are coordinated by the prefrontal cortex and its connections with other parts of…
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How Autism Masking Impacts Executive Function (and What to Do About It)
Autism masking is something many autistic individuals do every day—often without even realizing it. It’s the effort to “blend in” with neurotypical norms: suppressing stims, copying others’ behavior, scripting conversations, and working hard to appear socially acceptable. While masking can sometimes feel necessary for safety or acceptance, it comes at a cost—particularly to executive function.…
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9 ADHD Cognitive Flexibility Coping Skills to Improve Executive Function
Cognitive flexibility, the ability to shift plans, adapt to change, or think of alternatives, can be tough when you have ADHD. But with the right strategies, you can build this skill and make shifting gears easier. Here’s a guide to why these strategies work for ADHD brains and how to use them in daily life.…
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14 FAQs: What are Executive Functions in the Brain and Why Does This Matter in ADHD?
In psychology and neuroscience, executive functions in the brain are a set of fundamental cognitive skills that serve as the mind’s management system, helping us plan, organize, start, monitor, and adjust behaviors to navigate daily life. These areas are affected by neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). If you have these disorders…
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ADHD Daily Planner (Layout A): Clear Mental Clutter and Focus Your Day
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in Accountability, Blog, Burnout & Overwhelm, Cognitive Flexibility, Emotional Regulation, Environment and Sensory, Executive Function Coaching, Identity and Self Concept, Motivation & Reward, Neurodivergent-Friendly Planners, PDF, Printable & Downloads, Strategies and Supports, Student Resources, Task Management, Teacher Resources, Teen Resources, Time Management, Transition, Working MemoryI’ll be honest — I never found an ADHD planner that truly worked for me until I created my own. That’s how the ThriveMind Planner was born: an ADHD daily planner designed specifically for neurodivergent minds. And I love it. But let’s be real — not everyone can or should have to pay for planning tools. Paid…
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Skin Picking Disorder and Executive Dysfunction: Why the Urge Feels So Strong (and What Can Help)
Skin picking disorder (also called excoriation disorder or dermatillomania) is more connected to executive function challenges than many people realize. For neurodivergent adults, especially those with ADHD or autism, executive dysfunction can make skin picking behaviors harder to manage—and understanding this link is key to building self-compassion and finding healthier coping strategies. I’ve lived with…
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Building, Blogging, and Questioning It All
I find myself, in these moments of existential crisis, trying to blog for this site. It’s become such a passion of mine, and yet I feel light-years away from understanding these executive functioning concepts on the level I’d like to. I want to have deep, clearly defined conceptual conversations — but I feel so torn…
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Mood Regulation (ADHD Differences)
If you live with ADHD—or care for someone who does—you’ve likely noticed that emotions can feel bigger, harder to manage, and more unpredictable. While many people occasionally struggle to regulate their feelings, mood regulation challenges are especially common for those with ADHD. But what does mood regulation really mean? And how are these experiences different…
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Reflections on Especially Slow Mornings: Executive Function, Parenting, and Self-Compassion
Ten years ago, I’d open my eyes to a new day and spring out of bed. Every morning felt like a clean slate — a fresh chance to take on the world. Now that I have young kids and much less control over how I structure my day, my mornings feel completely different. Sometimes I…
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Why Impulse Spending Happens: Understanding Neurodivergence and Money Habits
For many neurodivergent adults (especially those with ADHD, autism, or related conditions) managing money isn’t as easy as numbers on a spreadsheet—instead, it’s about navigating impulse spending, emotional regulation difficulties, and executive function challenges that can derail plans and make financial stability feel out of reach. Based on (limited) research, adults with ADHD are more…