Organising, Processing and Planning: What is Executive Functioning?

A workshop for parent carers to explore how neurodivergent brains plan, organise, prioritise and process information throughout the day

Evidence Base:
Best practice as outlined in NICE guidelines and the SEND Code of Practice highlights the importance of understanding cognitive development and individual differences. Executive functioning skills develop over time and can be significantly impacted by neurodivergence. Supporting parents and carers to recognise and respond to these differences promotes better outcomes and reduces barriers to learning and daily life.

Objective:
This workshop is designed to provide parents and carers with a gentle introduction to executive functioning and how it develops. It explores how neurodivergent children may experience differences in these skills and offers practical strategies to support organisation, planning, emotional regulation, and day-to-day functioning.

Workshop Content:

• What is executive functioning and why it matters
• Key areas: organisation, planning, working memory, flexible thinking, and impulse control
• How executive functioning develops over time
• How neurodivergence can impact these skills
• Recognising strengths and challenges in everyday situations
• Practical strategies to support children at home and in education settings

Learning Outcomes:
Participants will:

• Gain knowledge and understanding of executive functioning
• Understand how these skills may present differently in neurodivergent children
• Explore both strengths and areas of challenge
• Learn practical, supportive strategies to use in daily life

• • Feel more confident supporting their child’s developing independence