Executive Function of Neurodivergent learners

For more information about my speaking and training work, visit: https://www.pookyknightsmith.com/speaking/

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Upcoming webinar slides - here's the Session overview:

How Can We Support Neurodivergent Learners’ Executive Function Skills?

This webinar equips educators with the understanding and tools to support neurodivergent learners in overcoming executive function challenges. With a focus on practical, classroom-ready strategies, attendees will learn how to foster independence, improve task management, and create environments where neurodivergent students can thrive. Rooted in empathy and understanding, the session highlights the key barriers to executive function and provides actionable approaches to address these in ways that benefit all learners. Staff will leave with ideas they can implement the very next day to make a tangible difference.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Identify key executive function challenges and their impact on learning & behaviour
2. Understand the lived experiences of neurodivergent learners to foster empathy
3. Implement practical strategies to support organisation, focus, & task completion
4. Adapt communication & environments to reduce cognitive load & support self-regulation
5. Equip students with tools to build independence and self-advocacy

1. Neurodivergent
Learners’
Executive Function |
Skills

How Can We Support?

@PookyH

com | pookyknightsmith.com

2. I have a million
thoughts, but I
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of them to say

out loud

3. What is

Executive

Function?

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À set of mental skills that help with

planning, focusing attention,
remembering instructions, and
managing multiple tasks. These are like
the brain's management system,
enabling us to organise, prioritise, and
make effective decisions

5. Working Memory

The ability to hold and manipulate information in our minds over short periods

Cognitive Flexibility
The ability to adapt to changing situations, shift thinking, and see things from
different perspectives

Inhibitory Control

The ability to regulate attention, behaviour, and emotions, allowing us to stay

on task and avoid distractions
Spock

6. ion

gid thinking

7. 10 Practical Strategies
© Talk It Out to Task It Out O Ready, Set, Speak Up
(3) Visualise & Organise (4) Memory in Motion

8. 10 Practical Strategies
11) Talk It Out to Task It Out © Ready, Set, Speak Up
© Visualise & Organise O Memory in Motion

13. Which activities most

commonly overwhelm

students?

14. 10 Practical Strategies
0 Talk It Out to Task It Out @ Ready, Set, Speak Up
© Visualise & Organise O Memory in Motion

20. What frequent situations

require Clear ways to ask
for help?

21. 10 Practical Strategies
0 Talk It Out to Task It Out © Ready, Set, Speak Up
(3) Visualise & Organise (4) Memory in Motion

26. Which routines could

benefit immediately from

visual structure?

27. 10 Practical Strategies
0 Talk It Out to Task It Out © Ready, Set, Speak Up
© Visualise € Organise (4) Memory in Motion

32. What tasks could

immediately benefit from

visual reinforcement?

33. 10 Practical Strategies
© Talk It Out to Task It Out © Ready, Set, Speak Up
© Visualise & Organise O Memory in Motion

39. Which tasks cause the

most anxiety around

timing?

40. 10 Practical Strategies
0 Talk It Out to Task It Out O Ready, Set, Speak Up
© Visualise & Organise O Memory in Motion