Gift giving is often shaped by hidden expectations that are rarely explained. This neurodivergent-affirming guide explores the unwritten rules of gifting and offers gentle ways to navigate them with clarity and intention.

When people talk about ADHD, the conversation often centers on focus, attention, and impulsivity. As an ADHDer, a parent of ADHD children, and a professional who supports many ADHDers, I see executive functioning skills as the area where challenges show up most. These are the cognitive processes that help us “execute” tasks. Think of them like the executive of a business for your brain: they support goal setting, monitoring progress, following through, analyzing, and adjusting.
For search clarity: you may also see these challenges called “executive dysfunction” online. I use more affirming language here.

This article is an introduction to executive functioning and the eight core skills. It also kicks off a series where I will take a closer look at each skill and share strategies for people who experience challenges in that area.

A few years ago we decided to purchase a Google Nest Home Hub and put it in our kitchen. It has been one of the most helpful tools for managing some of the difficulties ADHD brings for me. There are other brands and variations of these types of devices, I’m not suggesting Google is better than other brands, it’s just the one I have experience with.