ADHD & Executive Function Blog
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Unlocking the Power of Body Doubling
Do you ever find yourself staring blankly at a screen, unable to start that big project, or getting perpetually distracted from household chores? You're not alone. Many people, especially those with ADHD or executive function challenges, struggle with task initiation and sustained focus.
The secret weapon you might be missing? Body doubling.
Task Initiation: 5 Strategies to Use When You're Feeling Stuck
We've all been there: staring at a to-do list, knowing exactly what needs to be done, yet feeling a strange, immovable resistance. That “wall of awful” feeling can be the biggest hurdle to productivity and task initiation. Task initiation is an executive function that involves the ability to start a task or activity promptly and without unnecessary delay
If you struggle to get going, you're not lazy: you just need the right tools to build momentum.
ADHD Support: Tips, Tricks, Tools, and Helpful Sites Curated by ADHDers for ADHDers
Living with ADHD can feel like navigating a world built for brains that operate differently than your own. But here's the secret: you're not alone, and there's a whole community of ADHDers who have figured out some brilliant ways to not just survive but thrive! This blog post is a collection of insights, tools, and resources, curated by ADHDers for ADHDers.
What to Do When an Accommodation is Not Effective or When a Request is Denied
Navigating the world with a disability often means relying on reasonable accommodations, which are changes or adjustments to the environment or job/school structure that enable equal opportunity. Whether in the workplace or an educational setting, the accommodation process is not always linear.
So, what should you do if the accommodation you received isn't actually helping, or if your initial request was denied?
Navigating a Leave of Absence: Understanding Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
Taking a leave of absence from work due to a medical condition can be overwhelming. Beyond managing your health, you face the overwhelming challenge of securing your financial future when navigating the unknown of logistics and paperwork associated with filing for long- or short-term disability. Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance can be incredibly beneficial, but it’s important to first understand the differences, qualifications, and application process for each to ensure that you have a smooth transition during a difficult time.
Neurodiversity and Leadership: How to Lead Inclusively
In today's dynamic world, effective leadership demands more than just strategic thinking and strong decision-making; it requires a deep understanding and appreciation for the diverse minds within your team. Neurodiversity, the idea that neurological differences are simply variations of the human brain rather than deficits, is a crucial aspect of this diversity. By embracing neurodiversity, leaders can unlock a wealth of talent, foster innovation, and build truly inclusive and high-performing teams.
To lead inclusively, you can follow these four pillars:
Student Strategies: Finishing the Semester Strong
The final weeks of a college semester can feel like a marathon with an ever-increasing load of papers, projects, and final exams. It's important to create an effective system for managing not only your workload, but also your stress: that's where executive function skills come in.
The Role of Technology in Supporting Executive Function
New and innovative technology is stepping up as a powerful ally, offering several ways to support, manage and enhance your executive function skills.
Let's explore how technology can support executive functions: from specific applications to broader assistive technology tools, and pinpoint which executive function areas benefit most.
You're Not Lazy, You're Just Burnt Out: Understanding Neurodivergent Burnout Before It Happens
In a world that often operates on neurotypical norms, neurodivergent individuals navigate unique challenges, especially in the workplace. From sensory overload to social masking, the executive function skills it takes for some neurodivergent individuals to endure a day of work can be profoundly draining. This constant exertion can lead to a specific and often misunderstood phenomenon: neurodivergent burnout. It's not laziness; it's a state of utter exhaustion that can impact every facet of life. Understanding how to identify and address it before it takes hold is crucial for well-being.
Throwing A Holiday Party: How To Ensure Your Executive Function Skills Are Top Tier
For anyone hosting a holiday party, these skills are crucial to ensure that everything runs smoothly: no burnt turkeys, the perfect decor, and remembering to get everyone in your life a special gift. In this blog post, we will delve into what executive function skills are, how they impact your ability to host an event, and provide you with five essential tips to elevate your planning and execution, making your festive gathering a success.
Managing Screen Time: Tips for Avoiding Over Consumption of Screens for Adolescents
For parents and guardians, managing screen time can feel like a constant balancing act, especially with the diverse needs of neurotypical and neurodivergent children, and the ever-present allure of screens for adolescents. Here are 5 actionable tips to help you manage screen time effectively, fostering mindful consumption and strong family connections.
Bored? Stuck? Lacking Motivation? Try the ICNU Framework!
Feeling bored, stuck, or unmotivated is a common experience many of us face. Did you know that nearly 40% of adults report lack of motivation at work (Gallup, 2025)? This blog post will introduce you to the ICNU Framework—an innovative approach to overcoming task initiation that stands for Interest, Challenge, Novelty, and Urgency. By incorporating these elements into your daily tasks, you can regain your motivation and break free from the monotony that may be holding you back.
Client Success Story: Max, a Senior Level Financial Consultant with ADHD and Anxiety
Meet Max, a senior-level financial consultant who struggled to find his footing amidst the chaos of his busy office life. The fast-paced, high-stimulation, and project-based nature of his finance role was incredibly appealing to him as an individual with ADHD. His role provided him with the novelty and intense focus, or “hyperfocus" that individuals with ADHD often seek. However, with deadlines slipping through his fingers and tensions mounting with his manager, Max's job was becoming increasingly overwhelming.
Client Success Story: Jenna’s Journey through Hormonal Changes, Menopause, and ADHD
In this blog post, we’ll explore Jenna’s inspiring journey as an adult with ADHD navigating the complexities of hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause and how personalized coaching strategies helped her adapt at work.
Client Success Story: Jessica, a Senior Partner Lawyer with ADHD and Anxiety
Have you ever felt overwhelmed at work, constantly jumping from one task to another without making significant progress? Studies show that nearly 70% of professionals experience feelings of anxiety in the workplace, which can lead to a lack of productivity and poor work-life balance (American Psychological Association, 2023). This is especially true for individuals like Jessica, a Senior Partner Lawyer at her firm who sought workplace coaching to navigate the challenges posed by her ADHD and anxiety.
Supporting Veterans: Understanding Executive Function Barriers, Workplace Accommodations and Common Medical Conditions
This blog post will delve into the crucial aspects of supporting veterans in the workplace, including the understanding of executive function barriers, tailored workplace accommodations, and common medical conditions experienced by veterans. By increasing awareness and creating supportive environments, we can ensure that our veterans not only succeed but also feel valued in their professional journeys.
Out of Office: Essential Tips for Preparing for and Returning from Vacation
Prepping for being out of the office is essential not only to ensure your responsibilities are handled but also to protect your time and mental well-being upon your return. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through effective strategies for transitioning your workload to colleagues before you leave and how to safeguard your time post-vacation so you can prioritize tasks without the stress of an overflowing inbox.
Breaking the Cycle: How to Start Tasks Before the Overwhelm Sets In
In this blog post, we will delve into practical strategies to help you manage your time better and combat task initiation barriers before they even arise. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with actionable steps to take charge of your tasks and navigate your day with greater ease.
Object Permanence and ADHD: How to Fix the "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" Mindset
Object permanence is not a true deficit in the developmental sense, but rather a symptom of barriers with working memory, attention and/or executive function. Understanding this aspect of ADHD is crucial for embracing strategies that can help individuals navigate life more effectively. In this post, we will dive deep into what object permanence is, how it affects those with ADHD, and actionable strategies to overcome the 'out of sight, out of mind' mindset that often accompanies it.
Preparing for Your Return From Medical Leave: Your Guide to a Smooth Transition
This post is essential reading if you're looking to navigate this transition successfully and regain your footing in the workplace. In this article, we will explore strategies for maintaining your energy levels, managing your workload, and prioritizing tasks effectively. We aim to equip you with the tools necessary to ease back into your employee role with confidence and purpose.