The Executive Function Revolution: Supporting All Brains at Work
Beyond Accommodations: Building Truly Neuro-Inclusive Workplaces - Part 3
The Speedster's Dilemma
Dash Parr embodies one of the most misunderstood workplace challenges: having a brain that operates at superhuman speeds in a world designed for "normal" pacing. While his classmates work through problems step-by-step, Dash has already solved them and moved on to the next three challenges. But instead of celebrating this cognitive strength (for this purpose we’ll call it a superpower even though I HATE that), his school environment treats it as a behavioral problem.
Sound familiar? If you're neurodivergent, you've probably lived some version of Dash's frustration—having a brain that works brilliantly but differently, only to be told to "slow down," "follow the process," or "be more organized" by systems that don’t align with your neurotype.
Executive Function: The Brain's Project Manager
Executive function encompasses the mental skills of working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. It's like having a project manager in your brain who handles:
Task initiation and completion
Time awareness and planning
Organization and prioritization
Emotional regulation and impulse control
Working memory and mental flexibility
For neurotypical brains, this project manager usually runs pretty standard operations. But neurodivergent brains often have project managers who are either incredibly innovative (like Dash's speed) or need different management tools entirely.
The Traditional Productivity Myth
Most workplace productivity advice assumes everyone has the same basic operating system. It's like expecting Dash to succeed by just "trying harder" to sit still, completely missing the point of how his brain actually works best.
Traditional Advice That Falls Flat:
"Just use a planner" (ignoring time blindness)
"Eliminate distractions" (misunderstanding stimulation needs)
"Break tasks into smaller steps" (overwhelming hyperfocus states)
"Improve your time management" (assuming linear time perception)
"Stay organized" (not accounting for different organizational styles)
This advice is designed for brains that work like Helen Parr's methodical, systematic approach rather than Dash's burst-energy style.
The Speed vs. System Conflict
Dash's biggest challenges in school came from systems that penalized his natural processing speed. He'd finish assignments quickly, then get in trouble for disrupting others who needed more time. This creates a devastating pattern: your strength becomes your greatest liability.
Workplace Parallels:
Fast processors labeled as "impatient" or "disruptive"
Hyperfocus states interrupted by unnecessary meetings
Innovative solutions dismissed as "not following procedure"
Task-switching difficulties misinterpreted as inflexibility
Sensory needs misunderstood as "high maintenance"
The Energy Management Revolution
Instead of trying to change Dash's speed, what if his school had designed systems that channeled his energy productively? This is exactly what forward-thinking organizations are doing with executive function support.
Traditional Approach: Fix the employee's deficits Revolutionary Approach: Design systems that leverage cognitive diversity
Energy-Based Accommodations:
Ultradian rhythm respect: Allowing natural energy cycles rather than forcing 9-5 productivity
Task batching: Grouping similar activities to minimize cognitive switching costs
Movement integration: Standing desks, walking meetings, fidget tools as standard equipment
Hyperfocus protection: Blocking distraction-free time for deep work
Recovery space: Quiet areas for cognitive recharging
The Four Executive Function Styles
Just as each Incredible has different powers, neurodivergent employees have different executive function profiles:
The Dash (High-Speed Processor):
Needs: Variety, movement, immediate feedback
Challenges: Sustained attention, detail work, waiting
Supports: Project rotation, standing workstations, rapid iteration cycles
The Violet (Cautious Planner):
Needs: Clear expectations, preparation time, low social pressure
Challenges: Unexpected changes, high-stimulation environments
Supports: Advance notice, written instructions, quiet workspaces
The Bob (Experience-Driven):
Needs: Practical applications, hands-on learning, clear purpose
Challenges: Abstract concepts, theoretical frameworks, micromanagement
Supports: Real-world projects, autonomy, mentorship opportunities
The Helen (Systems Thinker):
Needs: Logical frameworks, comprehensive information, organized processes
Challenges: Ambiguous situations, incomplete data, pressure for quick decisions
Supports: Detailed documentation, research time, structured decision-making processes
Technology as Executive Function Support
Remember how Edna's suits enhanced rather than replaced the Incredibles' natural abilities? The best executive function support tools work the same way—they amplify your brain's existing strengths rather than trying to normalize your processing style.
Game-Changing Tools:
AI-powered scheduling: Apps that learn your energy patterns and optimize task timing (or do it the old-fashioned way)
Body doubling platforms: Virtual coworking for accountability without social pressure
Voice-to-text everything: Reducing the cognitive load of translating thoughts to written words
Visual project management: Tools that show progress and connections rather than just lists
Automated reminder systems: External memory support that adapts to your style
The Multiplication Effect
Here's what organizations are discovering: when you provide executive function support for neurodivergent employees, productivity increases across all neurotypes. It's like how Dash's speed made the whole family more effective in crises.
Universal Benefits:
Clear documentation helps EVERYONE understand expectations
Flexible scheduling reduces stress for all employees
Quiet spaces improve focus across cognitive styles
Movement options enhance creativity and problem-solving
Technology integration streamlines workflows for everyone
Creating Dash-Friendly Environments
Organizations ready to embrace the executive function revolution are optimizing for human cognitive diversity.
Environmental Design:
Multiple workspace options (quiet, collaborative, movement-friendly)
Natural lighting and plants for cognitive restoration
Clear visual organization systems
Technology integration as standard, not special accommodation
Process Innovation:
Flexible meeting formats (standing, walking, virtual options)
Asynchronous communication as default
Project-based work organization
Regular check-ins instead of constant monitoring
Cultural Transformation:
Celebrating different work styles and timing
Measuring outcomes rather than hours or processes
Providing energy management resources for all employees
Training managers to recognize and support diverse cognitive needs
Your Executive Function Strength (Superpower)
Dash learned that his speed was a gift that needed the right environment to flourish. The same is true for your executive function style. Whether you're a rapid-fire processor like Dash or a methodical planner like Helen, your brain's natural patterns are unique and valuable, not a burden.
The executive function revolution isn't about fixing neurodivergent brains—it's about building workplaces intelligent enough to leverage the full spectrum of human cognitive abilities.
Next week: We'll dive into "Sensory-Smart Workspaces" through Jack-Jack's overwhelming power surges. Because sometimes the most powerful abilities need the most thoughtful environments.
Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for visuals and bite-sized insights from this piece. And if this resonated, share it with someone else who gets it.
Sign up here to receive our newsletter and stay connected!
About the Author
Gal is an autistic artist, late-diagnosed at 49, and the creator of AuRTistic Expressions—a space where neurodivergent truth meets creative survival. Through blog posts, printables, courses, and the “This Might Get Messy” podcast, Gal explores what it means to unmask safely, communicate authentically, and make art that doesn’t ask for permission. Stick around—there’s plenty more where this came from.
AI generated bio
