Executive Function Resources

Discover a comprehensive collection of tools, apps, books, and support resources to enhance your executive function skills and daily success.

Essential Mobile Apps

Technology can be a powerful ally in supporting executive function. These carefully selected apps have proven helpful for organization, time management, and daily planning.

Task Management & Organization

📱 Todoist

Best for: Comprehensive task management

  • Natural language input ("Call mom tomorrow at 3pm")
  • Project organization with sub-tasks
  • Collaboration features for families
  • Karma system for motivation
  • Cost: Free with premium options ($4/month)

📱 Things 3 (Apple Only)

Best for: Elegant, intuitive task management

  • Award-winning design and user experience
  • Natural planning workflow
  • Seamless sync across Apple devices
  • No subscription - one-time purchase
  • Cost: $49.99 (iPhone), $99.99 (Mac)

📱 Any.do

Best for: Simple, voice-enabled task management

  • Voice input for quick task capture
  • Calendar integration
  • Location-based reminders
  • Shared lists for families
  • Cost: Free with premium options ($5.99/month)

📱 Microsoft To Do

Best for: Integration with Microsoft ecosystem

  • Seamless Outlook integration
  • Shared lists and collaboration
  • Cross-platform availability
  • Smart suggestions
  • Cost: Free

Time Management & Focus

⏰ Forest

Gamified focus sessions that plant virtual trees

  • Pomodoro technique with visual rewards
  • Real tree planting partnerships
  • Study room collaboration
  • Cost: $3.99

⏰ Be Focused

Customizable Pomodoro timer

  • Flexible work/break intervals
  • Task-specific timers
  • Progress tracking
  • Cost: Free with Pro version ($2.99)

⏰ Freedom

Website and app blocker

  • Cross-device blocking
  • Scheduled sessions
  • Detailed usage analytics
  • Cost: $3.33/month

Note-Taking & Information Management

App Best For Key Features Cost
Notion All-in-one workspace Databases, templates, collaboration, web clipping Free for personal use
Obsidian Connected note-taking Linked notes, graph view, plugins, local storage Free for personal use
Evernote Document capture and search Web clipping, document scanning, powerful search Free with premium options
GoodNotes 5 Digital handwriting (iPad) Handwriting recognition, PDF annotation, organization $7.99

Recommended Books

These books provide evidence-based strategies, insights, and practical guidance for understanding and improving executive function skills.

For Adults

📚 "Smart but Scattered" by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare

The revolutionary executive skills approach to improving your organization, time management, and productivity.

  • Practical strategies for adults
  • Self-assessment tools
  • Step-by-step improvement plans
  • Evidence-based approaches

📚 "The Executive Brain" by Elkhonon Goldberg

Fascinating exploration of the frontal lobes and executive function from a neuroscience perspective.

  • Scientific foundation of executive function
  • Brain development insights
  • Clinical case studies
  • Accessible neuroscience

📚 "Delivered from Distraction" by Edward Hallowell & John Ratey

Comprehensive guide to understanding and managing ADHD and executive function challenges.

  • Latest ADHD research
  • Treatment options overview
  • Life management strategies
  • Success stories and hope

📚 "Getting Things Done" by David Allen

The art of stress-free productivity through comprehensive organizational systems.

  • Complete productivity methodology
  • Capture and organize everything
  • Reduce mental clutter
  • Trusted system development

For Parents and Educators

📚 "Smart but Scattered Teens" by Richard Guare, Peg Dawson & Colin Guare

Specific strategies for helping teenagers develop executive skills for school and life success.

📚 "Late, Lost, and Unprepared" by Joyce Cooper-Kahn & Laurie Dietzel

A parents' guide to helping children with executive functioning challenges succeed in school and life.

📚 "Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents" by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare

Professional resource for educators and clinicians working with executive function challenges.

📚 "The Organized Student" by Donna Goldberg

Teaching children and teens to become independent, successful learners through organization skills.

Workbooks and Practical Guides

📝 Interactive Learning Resources:

  • "The Executive Functioning Workbook for Teens" by Sharon A. Hansen - Practical exercises and strategies
  • "Mind Over Mood" by Dennis Greenberger & Christine Padesky - Cognitive behavioral techniques
  • "The ADHD Workbook for Teens" by Lara Honos-Webb - Self-help strategies and activities
  • "Executive Function in the Classroom" by Christopher Kaufman - Educator's practical guide

Physical Tools and Products

Sometimes the best solutions are simple, physical tools that support organization and time management in tangible ways.

Organization Tools

📁 Binders and Folders

  • Color-coded subject organization
  • Clear pocket folders for visibility
  • Accordion files for projects
  • Portable file boxes

📅 Planners and Calendars

  • Large wall calendars for family planning
  • Daily/weekly planners with time blocks
  • Bullet journal supplies
  • Dry erase boards for daily schedules

🏷️ Labels and Visual Aids

  • Label makers for consistent organization
  • Color-coded labels and stickers
  • Clear storage containers
  • Visual schedule cards

Time Management Tools

⏰ Timers and Clocks

  • Time Timer: Visual countdown timer showing time remaining
  • Pomodoro timers: Dedicated focus session timers
  • Multiple alarm clocks: For different daily transitions
  • Analog clocks: Better time visualization than digital

📱 Smart Devices

  • Smart speakers: Voice-activated reminders and timers
  • Smart watches: Discrete reminders and notifications
  • Tile trackers: Find lost items quickly
  • Smart lights: Automated lighting for routines

Fidget and Focus Tools

🎯 Sensory Support Tools:

  • Fidget toys: Stress balls, fidget cubes, thinking putty
  • Noise-canceling headphones: Reduce auditory distractions
  • Standing desks: Movement while working
  • Ergonomic seating: Balance balls, wobble cushions
  • Weighted lap pads: Calming sensory input
  • Blue light glasses: Reduce eye strain and improve focus

Online Communities and Support

Connecting with others who understand executive function challenges can provide valuable support, strategies, and encouragement.

Support Groups and Forums

🌐 ADHD and Executive Function Communities

  • Reddit r/ADHD: Large, active community with daily discussions
  • ADDitude Magazine Forums: Moderated discussions on ADHD topics
  • CHADD Support Groups: Local and online support meetings
  • Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities: Parent-focused community

🎯 Specialized Support

  • Understood.org: Learning and attention issues support
  • Executive Function Support Groups: Local meetups and online groups
  • College ADHD Support: Campus-based support groups
  • Adult ADHD Support Groups: Workplace and life management focus

Body Doubling and Virtual Co-working

Platform Type Features Cost
Focusmate 1:1 body doubling 50-minute sessions, accountability partner matching Free (3 sessions/week) or $5/month
Flow Club Group body doubling Hosted sessions, community features, various session types $10/month
Study Together Study groups 24/7 study rooms, Discord-based, student-focused Free
Caveday Deep work sessions Facilitated focus sessions, community challenges $20/month

Professional Organizations and Training

These organizations provide training, certification, and resources for professionals working in executive function coaching and support.

Coaching Organizations

🎓 ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO)

  • Professional certification programs
  • Continuing education opportunities
  • Coach directory and referrals
  • Research and best practices

🎓 International Coach Federation (ICF)

  • Global coaching standards
  • Accredited training programs
  • Professional credentials
  • Ethics and best practices

🎓 Institute for the Advancement of ADHD Coaching (IAAC)

  • ADHD-specific coach training
  • Research and development
  • Professional standards
  • Certification programs

🎓 Learning and Development Center

  • Executive function specialist training
  • Educational consultant certification
  • Research-based methodologies
  • Ongoing professional support

Research and Advocacy Organizations

🔬 Leading Research Organizations:

  • Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD): Advocacy, education, and support
  • ADHD Awareness Month: Annual awareness and education campaigns
  • Learning Disabilities Association of America: Research and advocacy
  • National Center for Learning Disabilities: Policy and research
  • Understood.org: Research-based resources and tools
  • Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities: Parent education and support

Educational and Workplace Resources

Specialized resources for students, educators, and workplace professionals dealing with executive function challenges.

School-Based Resources

🏫 K-12 Support

  • IEP and 504 plan templates
  • Accommodation request letters
  • Teacher training materials
  • Student self-advocacy tools

🎓 College Resources

  • Disability services offices
  • Academic coaching programs
  • Study skills workshops
  • Peer mentoring programs

👨‍🏫 Educator Tools

  • Classroom management strategies
  • Universal Design for Learning
  • Executive function curricula
  • Assessment tools and rubrics

Workplace Accommodations

💼 Professional Support Resources:

  • Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Free workplace accommodation guidance
  • Employee Assistance Programs: Counseling and coaching support
  • ADHD at Work: Workplace strategies and accommodations
  • Disability Rights Organizations: Legal guidance and advocacy
  • Professional Development: Time management and productivity training
  • Executive Coaching: Leadership and management skill development

Crisis and Emergency Resources

Sometimes executive function challenges can contribute to mental health crises. These resources provide immediate support when needed.

🆘 Immediate Support:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (24/7 crisis support)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (mental health and substance abuse)
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-6264
  • Local Emergency Services: 911 for immediate emergencies

🤝 Ongoing Mental Health Support:

  • Psychology Today: Find local therapists and counselors
  • BetterHelp/Talkspace: Online therapy platforms
  • Open Path Collective: Affordable therapy options
  • Community Mental Health Centers: Local sliding-scale services
  • University Counseling Centers: Student mental health support

Staying Updated

Executive function research and strategies are constantly evolving. Stay informed with these reliable sources of current information.

📰 News and Research

  • ADDitude Magazine: Latest ADHD and EF research
  • Understood.org: Learning and attention updates
  • CHADD Attention Magazine: Professional research summaries
  • Journal of Attention Disorders: Academic research

🎧 Podcasts and Videos

  • ADHD Experts Podcast: Leading researcher interviews
  • Faster Than Normal: ADHD success stories
  • How to ADHD (YouTube): Practical strategies and tips
  • Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast: Life management focus
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