Executive functioning skills, which include planning, organization, task initiation, emotional control, and flexibility, are essential for successful participation in group activities. Learning to navigate the social and competitive aspects of sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities can help neurodivergent teens and young adults flourish by pairing their individual interests with challenging new skills. Special education teachers, … read more
We’ve already covered in many different ways here at Life Skills Advocate that executive functioning skills are critical in navigating academic and work tasks. Because of the value of teaching and mastering these skills, we think it’s important that all professionals who work with neurodivergent students have a strong understanding of each of the EF … read more
Teens and young adults face more pressure on their time than ever before. Every day can feel like an avalanche of tasks—from school assignments to personal projects, each screaming for attention. For neurodivergent individuals, handling the rapid influx of responsibilities with traditional methods of jotting down tasks or setting reminders often falls short. It’s not … read more
Let’s start with a story. Not long ago, we received a call from a caregiver, Susan, who vividly remembers the day a few weeks earlier when her son, Michael, called her in a panic. At 23, Michael, who was diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school, had been determined to manage his own finances after college. … read more
This is one of the first and only times you’ll get instructions on the LSA blog to “stop reading here.” But stop what you’re reading for just a few minutes and look up from your device. Check out your living space. If you’re commuting or otherwise out and about, check out the living space of … read more
One of the common themes we work on with LSA coaching clients is balancing neurodivergence in the workplace–especially how and when to discuss your unique learning needs with an employer. Do I share that I’m autistic in a job interview? Am I hiding something if I don’t want to talk about it? How do I … read more
Have you ever noticed how a brief walk outside can shift your mood, clear your mind, or help you solve a problem that seemed insurmountable while sitting indoors? This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a testament to the profound impact that spending time outdoors has on our brains and bodies. For neurodivergent individuals, navigating the … read more
It’s no secret to neurodivergent individuals that the traditional education system doesn’t always cater well to all learning styles. Depending on the topic, learners can encounter a heavy emphasis on memorization, recalling facts and figures, and vocabulary training. Traditional methods of studying can sometimes feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round … read more
Have you ever been so engrossed in a task that you forgot to eat or so absorbed in a new hobby that you accidentally pulled an all-nighter? If you answered yes, you may have experienced the phenomenon of hyperfixation. For neurodivergent individuals, hyperfixation can come in many forms. One moment, you’re a productivity wizard, capable … read more
Have you ever noticed how your productivity skyrockets in the presence of someone else? There’s a growing trend on social media and neurodivergent-themed blogs recommending “body doubling”, a productivity technique involving using a second person (sometimes hired for pay) to be present while you work. For many neurodivergent individuals, having another person nearby can transform … read more