Executive Function in Autism and ADHD: Classroom Supports

Learn what executive function is, how it shows up in autistic students, students with ADHD and students with learning differences, and which classroom supports help students get started, stay organized, handle change and become more independent.

Why this course

Executive function is the set of mental skills students use to manage themselves: holding directions in mind, stopping an impulse, shifting gears and planning their work. A 2024 review of 180 studies found similar executive function delays across autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions, so the same classroom supports often help many students at once.

Each module includes a narrated video, short readings from trusted sources, classroom scenarios and practice activities.

What you will be able to do

• Describe executive function and its core skills in plain language.
• Explain how executive function challenges show up in autism, ADHD and learning differences, and why supports should match needs rather than labels.
• Recognize executive function demands in everyday classroom tasks.
• Write specific observations that include what helps, and know when to bring a concern to your team.
• Use classroom supports for organization, starting work, flexibility, time and working memory, and fade them to build independence.

Course modules

1. What Executive Function Is
2. Executive Function Across Autism, ADHD and Learning Differences
3. Noticing Executive Function Needs in Your Classroom
4. Classroom Supports That Work

Then a final assessment: 80% to pass, unlimited retakes.

Try it first. Watch the free 7-minute Module 1 video on the three core executive function skills, why executive function is not the same as intelligence or effort, and how to spot hidden demands in everyday tasks. Preview Module 1 →

Who it’s for

Classroom teachers (PreK–12), special educators, paraprofessionals, educational diagnosticians, counselors and administrators who support autistic students, students with ADHD and students with learning differences.

CE hours and certificate

2.0 professional development hours, online and self-paced. Your certificate lists the course title, completion date, hours and presenter, and is available the moment you pass. Educators are responsible for confirming that this course meets the requirements of their state education agency, school district or certifying organization.

IBCCES certification holders: this course is focused on autism and covers executive function supports for autistic students in the classroom. Keep your certificate with your renewal records; IBCCES decides which hours it accepts.

Your instructor: Jaime Flowers, Ph.D., NCSP, LEP, BCBA, school psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst. Her full bio is under About this CE.