Neurodivergent Toolbox: How to Use a Launch Pad

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably experienced the heart-stopping moment of realizing your keys have decided to play hide-and-seek…exactly 2 minutes before you need to leave for the bus stop to make it to work on time.

I swear, it’s like my keys have a secret society meeting in the mystical realm of the couch cushions or the bottom of my backpack. And this secret society meeting happens with my phone, which also seems to regularly disappear right before I need to leave the house!

If you’ve dealt with the common challenge of having everything in the right place as you’re leaving the house for the day, it might be time to try one of our favorite organization tools in our executive functioning toolbox: The Launch Pad.

Click here to jump to the TL;DR summary.

What is a Launch Pad?

In simple terms, a Launch Pad is a designated space or system designed to help individuals organize and manage items essential to your daily activities. Think of it as your own “control center,” tailored to your unique needs and your daily routines. The concept revolves around creating a hub that minimizes distractions, enhances focus, and provides a structured spot to organize your stuff.

The Science Behind Organizing with a Launch Pad

What do we know about how organization tools like a launch pad can help with executive functioning? Here are a few things that research tells us about organization interventions and executive functioning:

• Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism often face challenges related to executive functioning, including skills like organization, planning, and task initiation (Landberg, Epstein & Graham, 2008)
• Interventions that target and teach new organizational skills can increase the academic performance and decrease the stress of neurodivergent individuals. A launch pad is one type of organizational tool that can be taught among a variety of strategies for organization (LaCount, et al., 2018)
• Research suggests that individuals with Autism or ADHD may benefit from visual cues and routine-based structures. A launch pad taps into these principles by incorporating visual organization tools and establishing a predictable routine,
• Launch pads create a sense of order which has been shown to reduce anxiety and promoting a more focused learning environment (UNL, 2018)

A Step-By-Step Guide to Set Up Your Own Launch Pad

Now that we understand the essence of a launch pad, let’s delve into the process of setting up your own. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a launch pad tailored to your unique needs:

1. Identify Your Priorities

Determine the key activities and tasks that you need to address daily. The success of your launch pad depends on you identifying the critical tasks that happen in your daily routine and the materials you need to complete those routines. Think about one routine at a time–including homework, chores, and personal routines like getting ready for work or school.

While identifying your priorities, if you are unsure about organization skills and what executive functioning challenges you may be facing, take a few minutes to take our free executive functioning skills assessment:

2. Choose a Suitable Space

Select a dedicated space for your launch pad that can serve as your ‘home base’ for the items you choose. Depending on the routine that you selected as your priority, this space could be a desk, a corner of your bedroom, or an area near the front door where you exit for the day.

3. Gather Essential Items & Organizing Tools

Equip your launch pad with tools that cater to your specific items. For routines involving getting out the door, this might include hooks for keys, a basket to put cell phone and charger, a larger hook for a coat or jacket.

For your homework launch pad, consider items like a calendar, task list, visual schedules, and a cup for pencils, pens and a tray for paperwork.

For a complete list of our favorite organizing supplies check out:

• The Ultimate Executive Functioning Back to School Supply List
• 10 Powerful Tools for Jump Starting Executive Functioning

4. Add Visuals

When you’ve gathered all your materials and created your space, go back to review how you might add visual aids. These could include color-coded labels, icons, a visual schedule, or a checklist. We also recommend when your launch pad is finalized, take a photo with your smartphone as a reminder if you need to ‘reset’ or clean up your launch pad down the road.

5. Establish a Routine

WARNING! Here comes the hardest part of getting started with a launch pad: establishing a routine.

Consistency is key to any new habits. Setting up a daily routine that includes your launch pad is the only way you’ll successfully learn to embed the organization tool. We recommend having a predictable schedule of times that you use the launch pad as a way to help you stay on track and manage your time effectively.

Real-World Launch Pads

It’s one thing to read about the steps of a launch pad, and another to see them in action. Let’s see a few different types and some examples of launch pads and other home hacks from others online:

• Leslie Josel – Create a Launching Pad to Keep Student Organized
• How to ADHD – ADHD-Friendly House Hacks – Feat. Caroline Maguire’s home!
• MonkeySee – Home Organization – Launching Pad
• Clutterbug – Get Organized with a Landing Zone
• Alison Aitken – ADHD Tip # 1 – Create a Numbered Launchpad

Common Pitfalls & Helpful Hints With a Launch Pad

While launch pads can be incredibly effective for organizing and boosting executive functioning, there are a few tips and strategies that can make this system way more useful for you. Here are some “do’s and don’ts” we’ve learned from coaching others to use a launch pad:

• Do host a practice run with the launch pad – Once your launch pad is set up, host a practice run through of how it helps you get ready to go for the day or how it helps you with homework. Simulate the the routine at a time that’s not high stress or high pressure so you have a chance to see what works and what doesn’t before you fully implement.
• Do seek out peer feedback – Have a friend or family member look over your launch pad space. Sometimes having an outsider observe you using the launch pad can also be useful, as they may have tips or suggestions to offer.
• Do seek out professional support if you need it – Not everyone is equipped to set up a launch pad on their own. It’s okay to seek out an experienced Executive Functioning Coach like our team at Life Skills Advocate as a way to get you started on your organization journey.
• Don’t Overcomplicate the System – Avoid making your launch pad too complex. Keep it simple and user-friendly to ensure it remains a helpful tool rather than a source of stress. Add visuals, reduce clutter, and do your best to only have what you need in the space.
• Don’t Neglect Regular Updates – A launch pad needs to evolve with your changing needs. Two to three times per year, update and adjust the system to accommodate new priorities or changes in routine.
• Don’t Fail to Establish Consistency – Consistency is a cornerstone of success with a launch pad. Strive to maintain a consistent routine to reinforce the positive impact of your organizational tool.

TL;DR – (Too Long, Didn’t Read)

A launch pad can be a transformative tool for neurodivergent learners, offering a structured and supportive environment for daily activities and a simple boost in executive functioning skills. By understanding the science behind it and following a step-by-step guide, individuals can tailor their launch pads to meet their specific needs.

Real-world examples demonstrate the versatility of launch pads in academic, professional, and home settings. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of common pitfalls to ensure the system remains a positive force in your life.

With the right approach, consistency, and ongoing adjustments, a Launch Pad can empower neurodivergent individuals to navigate the challenges of daily life with confidence and success.

Further Reading

• AFIRM (2018) – Visual Supports Module
• LaCount, P. A., Hartung, C. M., Shelton, C. R., & Stevens, A. E. (2018). Efficacy of an organizational skills intervention for college students with ADHD symptomatology and academic difficulties.
• Langberg, J. M., Epstein, J. N., & Graham, A. J. (2008). Organizational-skills interventions in the treatment of ADHD.
• Life Skills Advocate – Ultimate Back to School Executive Functioning Supply List
• Life Skills Advocate – 10 Powerful Tools to Jump Start Executive Functioning
• University of Nebraska – Lincoln; Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network – Rules and Routines