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HopingHands autism guide

Executive functioning

Executive functions help us start, plan, switch, remember and regulate actions. Knowing what to do is not always the same as being able to begin.

Plain-language guideReviewed July 2026
A HopingHands host guiding a community session
01

Starting and switching

Beginning a task, stopping a preferred activity or changing plan may require more energy and support—especially when the next step is unclear.

02

Working memory and time

Holding several instructions in mind, estimating time and organising belongings can be difficult even when someone understands the task well.

03

Externalise the plan

Checklists, timers, visual schedules, body doubling and breaking work into visible steps can reduce the load on working memory.

Trusted further reading

Explore reliable information

NHS: What is autism?NHS: Autism informationAutism Central

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