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Executive Functioning Superpowers: Inclusive Strategies that Embrace Neurodiversity at Home and in the Classroom. Helping Kids Stay Calm, Get Organized and Achieve Success.
A self-sufficient, independent life can still be in your child's future, no matter how much they struggle today.
Remember how exciting it was seeing your child reach their developmental milestones?
Whether taking their first steps or saying their first words, when you see them gradually start to do things by themselves, you cannot help but feel immense pride and look forward to what they'll do next.
But what happens when they don't do what you expect of them?
What do you do when they have difficulty completing tasks, fail to follow instructions, or are easily distracted?
While it's normal for young kids to experience problems like these, when they start to lag behind their peers, there's cause for concern.
The ability to follow instructions, solve problems, and follow through on tasks is related to a child's executive function.
Executive functioning skills are essential to learning and getting things done. These are key skills that everyone needs to function in the world.
Executive Dysfunction is associated with many neurodivergent conditions, such as ADHD, autism, tourette's syndrome, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. An estimated 15-20% of the world population is considered neurodiverse.
If your child has problems with executive function, the impact on learning, relationships, and their future can be worrying.
Thankfully, these issues are something your child can overcome, and whether you're their parent or their teacher, you can help them do just that.
In this guide, you'll find strategies and tools to improve their executive functioning skills to help them live their lives with less stress and increased independence.
In Executive Functioning Superpowers , you will vital skills children and teenagers need to succeed in their daily lives and how to recognize any skills deficitHow to give instructions that they can easily follow – and will want to followThe best way to support children to develop their skills in emotional regulation, increased focus, and organizationMethods to help children achieve their goalsThe association between executive dysfunction and many neurodivergent conditionsPractical accommodations that will significantly help neurodiverse learners at home and in the classroomHow to prepare and support children for the transition stage of moving schoolFun games, activities, apps, and resources that combine learning and the development of executive functioning skills to engage even the most reluctant learner.
And much more.
No matter how much you try to do everything right, raising a child who is good at everything is impossible.
There will be things your child will excel at and areas in which they will struggle.
It's not your fault or your child's fault – it's just a situation you need to address.
Think of your child's executive functioning issues as an opportunity to demonstrate strength and resilience. It's through their struggles and their efforts in overcoming them that your child will truly come into their own.
You want your child to have a bright future, start with building the skills they need to succeed.
Remember how exciting it was seeing your child reach their developmental milestones?
Whether taking their first steps or saying their first words, when you see them gradually start to do things by themselves, you cannot help but feel immense pride and look forward to what they'll do next.
But what happens when they don't do what you expect of them?
What do you do when they have difficulty completing tasks, fail to follow instructions, or are easily distracted?
While it's normal for young kids to experience problems like these, when they start to lag behind their peers, there's cause for concern.
The ability to follow instructions, solve problems, and follow through on tasks is related to a child's executive function.
Executive functioning skills are essential to learning and getting things done. These are key skills that everyone needs to function in the world.
Executive Dysfunction is associated with many neurodivergent conditions, such as ADHD, autism, tourette's syndrome, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. An estimated 15-20% of the world population is considered neurodiverse.
If your child has problems with executive function, the impact on learning, relationships, and their future can be worrying.
Thankfully, these issues are something your child can overcome, and whether you're their parent or their teacher, you can help them do just that.
In this guide, you'll find strategies and tools to improve their executive functioning skills to help them live their lives with less stress and increased independence.
In Executive Functioning Superpowers , you will vital skills children and teenagers need to succeed in their daily lives and how to recognize any skills deficitHow to give instructions that they can easily follow – and will want to followThe best way to support children to develop their skills in emotional regulation, increased focus, and organizationMethods to help children achieve their goalsThe association between executive dysfunction and many neurodivergent conditionsPractical accommodations that will significantly help neurodiverse learners at home and in the classroomHow to prepare and support children for the transition stage of moving schoolFun games, activities, apps, and resources that combine learning and the development of executive functioning skills to engage even the most reluctant learner.
And much more.
No matter how much you try to do everything right, raising a child who is good at everything is impossible.
There will be things your child will excel at and areas in which they will struggle.
It's not your fault or your child's fault – it's just a situation you need to address.
Think of your child's executive functioning issues as an opportunity to demonstrate strength and resilience. It's through their struggles and their efforts in overcoming them that your child will truly come into their own.
You want your child to have a bright future, start with building the skills they need to succeed.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
20 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 12, 2023
Enjoyable
I found this book to be very informative with the symptoms observations and action plan as well as resources. I would highly recommend this for parents and relatives of these exceptional children.
I found this book to be very informative with the symptoms observations and action plan as well as resources. I would highly recommend this for parents and relatives of these exceptional children.
March 6, 2023
Excellent resource
I liked this a lot! As a foster carer I have worked with children with various conditions, including neurodiversity. This is a brilliant resource with so many tools for my toolkit. Thanks so much. Highly recommend.
I liked this a lot! As a foster carer I have worked with children with various conditions, including neurodiversity. This is a brilliant resource with so many tools for my toolkit. Thanks so much. Highly recommend.
May 14, 2023
Well written, invaluable resource - timely for today’s kids
Maire Powell is clearly knowledgeable about her subject, and gifted in putting that knowledge into writing that is easy to understand and take action on.
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher … anyone that interacts with kids today is probably in contact with one or more that has a learning challenge such as autism or ADHD. This book is invaluable in providing context and strategy for improving skills that can enable these kids to become their best, independent selves.
I’d like to share a few quotes from the closing chapter which give bright hope for these kids:
“Struggles do not define a person; it’s the response to difficulty that proves grit and determination.”
“Don’t fret for those who are still on their journey of understanding how to apply these skills to their lives. Those who have a little trouble in the beginning often turn out to be the most successful.”
“…children will learn that while their brain may function differently, it’s actually a strength that can give them a competitive edge. They can pay attention, plan, stay organized, roll with the changes and follow through, just like all of their favorite superheroes.”
From my personal experience, I can testify that my greatest struggles - especially academic ones - became some of my greatest strengths once I had the courage to acknowledge my needs and get help. I’ve learned that doing hard things can become rewarding… and that I am capable of doing hard things. So… I’m not afraid to tackle the hard stuff. I’ve done it before. I can do it again.
Maire - thank you for writing this amazing book!
Maire Powell is clearly knowledgeable about her subject, and gifted in putting that knowledge into writing that is easy to understand and take action on.
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher … anyone that interacts with kids today is probably in contact with one or more that has a learning challenge such as autism or ADHD. This book is invaluable in providing context and strategy for improving skills that can enable these kids to become their best, independent selves.
I’d like to share a few quotes from the closing chapter which give bright hope for these kids:
“Struggles do not define a person; it’s the response to difficulty that proves grit and determination.”
“Don’t fret for those who are still on their journey of understanding how to apply these skills to their lives. Those who have a little trouble in the beginning often turn out to be the most successful.”
“…children will learn that while their brain may function differently, it’s actually a strength that can give them a competitive edge. They can pay attention, plan, stay organized, roll with the changes and follow through, just like all of their favorite superheroes.”
From my personal experience, I can testify that my greatest struggles - especially academic ones - became some of my greatest strengths once I had the courage to acknowledge my needs and get help. I’ve learned that doing hard things can become rewarding… and that I am capable of doing hard things. So… I’m not afraid to tackle the hard stuff. I’ve done it before. I can do it again.
Maire - thank you for writing this amazing book!
August 8, 2023
Great read for parents/carers and teachers of neurodiverse children
This book has tremendously educational value for parents and teachers of children who are dealing with the complex issues associated with executive impairment dysfunction. It will help them recognise potential signs at a variety of different ages and stages, and offers a myriad of potential strategies and activities that could potentially make your road smoother alongside your child as you navigate this complex journey together. This book is well-written and accessible to all. Highly recommend.
This book has tremendously educational value for parents and teachers of children who are dealing with the complex issues associated with executive impairment dysfunction. It will help them recognise potential signs at a variety of different ages and stages, and offers a myriad of potential strategies and activities that could potentially make your road smoother alongside your child as you navigate this complex journey together. This book is well-written and accessible to all. Highly recommend.
March 21, 2023
great info!!
This book was so filled with great tips for parents of neurodivergent kids! The techniques to help with organization were so helpful I wish I had it 20 years ago. It was so nice to have all of the information in one easy to read book.
This book was so filled with great tips for parents of neurodivergent kids! The techniques to help with organization were so helpful I wish I had it 20 years ago. It was so nice to have all of the information in one easy to read book.
June 21, 2023
Subtle Superpowers
Excellent guide that makes you focus on the spaces in between the steps, understand the process to reach the result before getting to the result. Perfect learn to walk before you start to run book.
Excellent guide that makes you focus on the spaces in between the steps, understand the process to reach the result before getting to the result. Perfect learn to walk before you start to run book.
April 16, 2025
This book was such a disappointment.
1. The title, “Executive Functioning Superpowers” seems to suggest that this book is aligned with the idea that neurodivergence can be a “superpower”. For example, ADHD may result in quick thinking, unique idea generation, creativity, and pattern recognition, and autism may result in innovative thinking due to deep focus especially on topics of high interest. However, this book does NOT focus on “superpowers”. Instead, it focuses on how executive dysfunction can cause problems at school and home and ways to work on them.
2. The information is not comprehensive. For example, in the time management section, it doesn’t list chunking of tasks into mini-steps, backward planning (game is at 5, leave at 4:45, uniform on at 4:30), metacognitive awareness (e.g., how long do you think this will take? Did you guess right? What took longer than you thought?)
3. It is hard to read. The text is one paragraph after another with very few bullet points, charts, images, or diagrams. The few charts that are listed are simple sample schedules (e.g., 8am eat breakfast, 9am-2pm go to school).
4. The references in the book are mostly websites. A book written by a professional should include many more articles published in peer reviewed journals.
When I read book, I kept wondering if this is a self-published, AI generated book. Save your money for a better resource.
1. The title, “Executive Functioning Superpowers” seems to suggest that this book is aligned with the idea that neurodivergence can be a “superpower”. For example, ADHD may result in quick thinking, unique idea generation, creativity, and pattern recognition, and autism may result in innovative thinking due to deep focus especially on topics of high interest. However, this book does NOT focus on “superpowers”. Instead, it focuses on how executive dysfunction can cause problems at school and home and ways to work on them.
2. The information is not comprehensive. For example, in the time management section, it doesn’t list chunking of tasks into mini-steps, backward planning (game is at 5, leave at 4:45, uniform on at 4:30), metacognitive awareness (e.g., how long do you think this will take? Did you guess right? What took longer than you thought?)
3. It is hard to read. The text is one paragraph after another with very few bullet points, charts, images, or diagrams. The few charts that are listed are simple sample schedules (e.g., 8am eat breakfast, 9am-2pm go to school).
4. The references in the book are mostly websites. A book written by a professional should include many more articles published in peer reviewed journals.
When I read book, I kept wondering if this is a self-published, AI generated book. Save your money for a better resource.
May 28, 2025
This was very a disappointing read about executive functioning. It was recommended to me but I was not at all impressed. It appears to be self-published and could use a good editor along with some deeper research. The author clearly knows some things about executive functioning, but it is unclear what her actual qualifications are to give advice on this topic. The book is broadly organized into topics, but within those topics the discussion jumps around quite a bit. The author switches from talking about executive functioning at home, then to school, then back to home again very quickly. Age ranges of for the activities she suggests varies widely. Suggestions are often quite broad but then suddenly focus in on something very specific. There are many broad generalizations made about “many children like to do x” or “teachers often find x to be very helpful.” Some of these generalizations seemed wildly inaccurate to my experience.
This is a short, accessible volume that may serve its purpose for a short, general introduction to executive functioning. However, if you or a child has a serious executive functioning weakness, I would recommend more structured works such as “Smart but Scattered” for better information.
This is a short, accessible volume that may serve its purpose for a short, general introduction to executive functioning. However, if you or a child has a serious executive functioning weakness, I would recommend more structured works such as “Smart but Scattered” for better information.
April 16, 2025
This book was such a disappointment.
1. The title, “Executive Functioning Superpowers” seems to suggest that this book is aligned with the idea that neurodivergence can be a “superpower”. For example, ADHD may result in quick thinking, unique idea generation, creativity, and pattern recognition, and autism may result in innovative thinking due to deep focus especially on topics of high interest. However, this book does NOT focus on “superpowers”. Instead, it focuses on how executive dysfunction can cause problems at school and home and ways to work on them.
2. The information is not comprehensive. For example, in the time management section, it doesn’t list chunking of tasks into mini-steps, backward planning (game is at 5, leave at 4:45, uniform on at 4:30), metacognitive awareness (e.g., how long do you think this will take? Did you guess right? What took longer than you thought?)
3. It is hard to read. The text is one paragraph after another with very few bullet points, charts, images, or diagrams. The few charts that are listed are simple sample schedules (e.g., 8am eat breakfast, 9am-2pm go to school).
4. The references in the book are mostly websites. A book written by a professional should include many more articles published in peer reviewed journals.
When I read book, I kept wondering if this is a self-published, AI generated book. Save your money for a better resource.
1. The title, “Executive Functioning Superpowers” seems to suggest that this book is aligned with the idea that neurodivergence can be a “superpower”. For example, ADHD may result in quick thinking, unique idea generation, creativity, and pattern recognition, and autism may result in innovative thinking due to deep focus especially on topics of high interest. However, this book does NOT focus on “superpowers”. Instead, it focuses on how executive dysfunction can cause problems at school and home and ways to work on them.
2. The information is not comprehensive. For example, in the time management section, it doesn’t list chunking of tasks into mini-steps, backward planning (game is at 5, leave at 4:45, uniform on at 4:30), metacognitive awareness (e.g., how long do you think this will take? Did you guess right? What took longer than you thought?)
3. It is hard to read. The text is one paragraph after another with very few bullet points, charts, images, or diagrams. The few charts that are listed are simple sample schedules (e.g., 8am eat breakfast, 9am-2pm go to school).
4. The references in the book are mostly websites. A book written by a professional should include many more articles published in peer reviewed journals.
When I read book, I kept wondering if this is a self-published, AI generated book. Save your money for a better resource.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews