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AUTISM
Executive functioning
Planning, starting, and switching.
Executive functions are the brain's management system — planning, organising, starting tasks, switching between them and holding it all together. For many autistic people these work differently, which affects daily life more than people realise.
Curiosity changes everything.
It's the 'how', not the 'want to'
Struggling to start or switch isn't laziness or defiance. It's a genuine difference in how the brain organises action.
Task initiation
Starting can be the hardest part, even when willing.
Flexibility
Switching plans or tasks takes real effort.
Working memory
Holding steps in mind while doing them.
Structure helps
Routines and visual supports lighten the load.
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Where this shows up across autism.
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