As parents of neurodivergent children, you’re likely familiar with the term executive function (EF)—the brain’s “management system” that helps us plan, focus, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks. For children with autism (ASD) and ADHD, challenges with executive function in autism and related EF skills can make daily life feel like an uphill battle. The good news? The brain is incredibly adaptable, and with the right support, your child can build the skills they need to thrive.
Recent research, including a 2025 study published in Nature Scientific Reports, and a systematic review in Brain Sciences (2021), highlights how EF deficits manifest in ASD and ADHD, as well as the effectiveness of targeted interventions, such as the Hope Focus System (HFS®). These studies emphasize that enhancing executive function in autism can lead to significant improvements in planning, focus, and overall daily functioning.
Let’s dive into the science, explore how EF development is affected in neurodivergent children, and see how HFS® can make a meaningful difference in your child’s—and your—daily life.
What Is Executive Function, and How Is It Affected in ASD and ADHD?
As parents of neurodivergent children, you’re likely familiar with the term executive function (EF)—the brain’s “management system” that helps us plan, focus, and remember instructions. Executive functions are cognitive tools that help us control our attention, behavior, and emotions to achieve goals, including aspects such as:
Inhibitory control (resisting impulses, e.g., not interrupting during a conversation),
Working memory (holding and using information, e.g., remembering steps to complete a task),
Cognitive flexibility (switching between tasks or adapting to new rules).
The 2025 Nature Scientific Reports study found that simple EFs (like inhibitory control and holding information in mind) are often weaker in toddlers with a family history of autism or ADHD, even before clinical symptoms appear. For example, these children might struggle more with tasks like waiting their turn or following multi-step instructions. Moreover, this research contributes to our understanding of executive function in autism, emphasizing that early EF deficits may be indicative of later challenges.
Interestingly, complex EFs (like updating information or shifting between tasks) are more affected in children with traits of both autism and ADHD. This aligns with findings from the Brain Sciences review, which emphasized that EF deficits in ASD are broad and heterogeneous, with difficulties spanning inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. These challenges, often referred to when discussing executive function in autism, frequently correlate with social impairments and adaptive functioning deficits.
Why Does This Happen?
The Nature study suggests that EF difficulties may be an endophenotype of autism and ADHD—a heritable trait linked to genetic risk but present before clinical symptoms. Other research supports this, showing that EF challenges in ASD are influenced by factors like comorbidities (e.g., ADHD, anxiety) and variability in assessment methods (e.g., behavioral scales vs. neuropsychological tests).
This doesn’t mean your child is destined to struggle indefinitely. The brain’s ability to adapt and grow—known as neuroplasticity—means that with the right interventions, EF skills can be strengthened.
How HFS® Cognitive Training Helps
HFS® is a neuroscience-based program designed to target EF development in neurodivergent children, including support for executive function in autism. Its three core elements—movement-based therapy, music listening therapy, and strength-based coaching—align with evidence from the Brain Sciences review, which identified the benefits of combining cognitive training with engaging, technology-supported methods.
Movement-Based Therapy Why It Works for EF: Movement exercises (e.g., balance and aerobic activities) engage the brain’s motor and cognitive systems, strengthening neural pathways involved in inhibitory control and body coordination. These activities also promote the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which supports neuron growth and connectivity. This approach has been shown to enhance executive function in autism by building the neural connections necessary for improved cognitive control. Impact on Daily Life:
For your child: Improved ability to stay focused, follow multi-step instructions, and regulate impulses.
For you: Fewer struggles with transitions, smoother routines, and less frustration during tasks like getting ready for school or completing homework.
Music Listening Therapy Why It Works for EF: Frequency-filtered music, delivered through bone-conduction headphones, stimulates auditory processing and the vestibular system. This enhances attention, speech development, and body coordination. Music also helps regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, improving focus and emotional stability—key aspects of executive function in autism. Impact on Daily Life:
For your child: Enhanced listening skills, clearer communication, and better ability to follow directions.
For you: Easier conversations, reduced misunderstandings, and a calmer household environment.
Strength-Based Coaching Why It Works for EF: By focusing on your child’s strengths, HFS® coaches build confidence and motivation, essential components of EF development. Positive reinforcement encourages persistence and problem-solving. Impact on Daily Life:
For your child: Greater emotional resilience, improved social interactions, and a sense of accomplishment.
For you: A more positive relationship with your child, fewer power struggles, and a sense of hope and progress.
What Does Improved EF Look Like in Daily Life?
When EF skills improve, the benefits ripple across all areas of life:
Daily Routines: Your child may find it easier to complete tasks like getting dressed, packing their school bag, or following a morning routine. This means less stress for you and a smoother start to the day.
Communication: They might be better able to express their needs, follow conversations, and engage socially. This can reduce misunderstandings and foster stronger relationships.
Emotional Regulation: With stronger inhibitory control, they may handle frustration better and respond calmly to challenges. This can lead to fewer meltdowns and a more peaceful home environment.
Academic Performance: Improved working memory can help them stay organized, complete assignments, and retain information more effectively. This can boost confidence and reduce the need for constant reminders.
Empowering Your Child’s Journey—and Yours
As parents, you’re not just looking for a quick fix—you’re looking for a way to help your child build skills that will serve them for life, including enhancing executive function in autism. HFS® is designed to do just that by focusing on your child’s strengths and providing a structured, science-backed approach to EF development.
The 2025 Nature study and the Brain Sciences review underscore the importance of early EF interventions. For example, the Brain Sciences review found that EF training programs—particularly those leveraging technology—are promising tools for improving cognitive and social skills in children with ASD, while also addressing challenges related to executive function in autism. HFS® builds on this by combining movement, music, and strength-based coaching to create a holistic, personalized approach to EF development.
By understanding the science behind EF—including key insights into executive function in autism—and how it’s affected in ASD and ADHD, you can make informed decisions about your child’s care. HFS® offers a cutting-edge, neuroscience-backed way to help your child build the skills they need to thrive—not just in therapy, but in everyday life.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a Free Consultation to learn how HFS® can support your child’s growth and development—and make daily life easier for your whole family.
References:
Hendry et al. (2025). Nature Scientific Reports.
Pasqualotto et al. (2021). Brain Sciences.