By Karen Kallmann, LSW, Therapist at AllOne Therapy
Have you ever paused to think about just how many decisions you make in a single day?
According to research, the average person makes roughly 35,000 decisions every day. From the second we wake up, whether to hit snooze or get up, what to wear, what to eat, how to respond to that one message—we’re constantly navigating choice after choice, big and small.
Now imagine doing all of that with a neurodiverse brain, one that the world may not fully understand. A brain that processes differently, feels deeply, and may often be labeled as “too much,” “too scattered,” or simply “not normal.”
This is where executive functioning comes in.
Executive functioning refers to a group of mental skills that help us manage our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Think of it as your brain’s internal manager, helping with planning, memory, flexible thinking, organization, and emotional regulation.
For those who are neurodiverse, such as those living with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other cognitive differences, these executive functions might not operate the way the world expects them to. Something that might seem simple to others, like picking out clothes or transitioning from one task to another, can feel overwhelming. Not because of laziness or lack of desire, but because of how much mental energy it takes to filter, process, and act.
This kind of invisible labor often goes unnoticed.
The truth is, executive functioning affects nearly every aspect of daily life:
- Starting a task (and finishing it)
- Shifting focus when something unexpected happens
- Managing time and space
- Calming down after feeling overstimulated
- Making a choice when all the choices feel too much
It’s not always about “fixing” something. It’s about understanding. It’s about making room for different ways of thinking, feeling, and functioning in the world.
When we view executive functioning through a neurodiverse lens, we’re reminded to be gentler with others and with ourselves. Different doesn’t mean broken. It means human. And it invites us to slow down, to support each other more thoughtfully, and to create spaces where everyone has a fair chance to thrive.
For those navigating the world with executive functioning challenges, especially in spaces that aren’t always built with those needs in mind, compassion and support can go a long way. Whether through therapy, coaching, or community care, help is out there. And it’s okay to ask for it.
If this resonates, you’re not alone. There’s nothing wrong with needing support. In fact, recognizing that need is its own kind of strength.
If support around executive functioning or navigating neurodiversity feels like the right next step, therapists at AllOne Therapy are here to help. Book a session today and begin at your own pace.
To learn more about AllOne Therapy or to get started, visit us.