Thriving through the High School Transition:
Executive Functioning Tips for Teens, Especially Autistic Students
Starting high school is a huge milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. The shift from elementary or middle school to high school comes with increased responsibilities, more complex schedules, and higher social expectations.
If you find your child struggling to keep up with assignments, organize materials, or manage time effectively, you're not alone! Many students face challenges with executive functioning skills, but especially neurodivergent teenagers —the cognitive processes that help us plan, organize, and complete tasks. The good news? These skills can be learned and strengthened with the right strategies and support.
What Are Executive Functioning Skills?
Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive skills that help us regulate our behavior and achieve goals. Some of the key executive functioning skills needed for high school success include:
Time Management – Keeping track of due dates, setting priorities, and managing homework.
Organization – Maintaining an organized backpack, locker, and digital files for schoolwork.
Task Initiation – Getting started on assignments and avoiding procrastination.
Working Memory – Remembering and using information (like multi-step instructions).
Flexible Thinking and Problem Solving – Adjusting to changes in schedules, subjects, or unexpected events.
Self-Regulation – Managing emotions, stress, and social interactions effectively.
Common Challenges High Schoolers Face
The transition to high school presents several challenges, including:
Changing Classrooms – Unlike middle school, high school students must navigate different classrooms and teachers throughout the day.
Increased Social Demands – There are more opportunities for socializing, but also more pressure to fit in and manage friendships in real life and online.
Keeping Track of Materials – With multiple subjects and assignments, it’s easy to misplace important papers or forget supplies.
Greater Independence – Teachers expect students to be more self-sufficient in completing work and studying for exams.
Supporting Autistic Teenagers Through the Transition
For autistic teens, the transition to high school can bring additional challenges related to sensory sensitivities, changes in routine, and navigating social interactions. Some teens have been at only one other school their entire career. This MASSIVE change can be so jarring and result in a fast deterioration of physical and mental health if not supported.
Here are some specific strategies to support executive functioning development and ease the transition that we as a team use in our practice and have found to be the most helpful:
1. Preload Information and Expectations way in advance!
Provide clear, structured information about what to expect. This can include written schedules, visual guides, and social stories about high school routines, lunch periods, and class transitions.
Having this dialogue with your teen will help you understand areas they are worried about, are unsure of how to navigate and where your team and really hone in on support.
2. Explore and Map Out the Environment
Before the school year begins, take time to walk through the school, locate classrooms, bathrooms, the cafeteria, and quiet spaces. It could even be helpful to play a game or run a simulated situations (e.g., teh bell rings and you forgot which class you are going to, what do you do?)
Creating a visual map or taking photos/videos can help with navigation and reducing anxiety. It may even be helpful for your teen to review this at home as well the night before.
3. Role-Play Common Scenarios
Practicing locker combinations, asking teachers for help, and navigating busy hallways through role-play can help build confidence. This also allows teens to rehearse responses to social interactions they may encounter. Even better if you get a chance to role play with teachers and staff to start building that relationship either before or after school time when it is not as busy.
4. Build Relationships with Key Staff
Encouraging students to get to know teachers, counsellors, and support staff can create a network of trusted adults who can assist with problem-solving and executive functioning challenges. Having a designated go-to person can be a great support.
Although teenagers may not initiate this on their own, as a parent or service provider, speaking with staff on how to begin building trust and a mutual relationship and understanding with your teen will be helpful.
5. Use Visual Schedules and Checklists
Structured, predictable routines can make transitions easier. Although, most high schools have rotating schedules, different start times one day a week, either on linear or semester schedules. It is A LOT to manage.
Reviewing the day and schedule before they leave the house will eb helfpul, as well as walking through possible scenarios to help with that problem solving int he moment.
Have a safety plan in place. For example, if they get overwhelmed or anxious and feel like they are stuck in their fight/flight or freeze response, discuss this strategy with the school team of where they can go to. For example, they can go to the learning support room ANYTIME and will be accepted 100% of the time without redirection or demand. OR they can sit in the counsellors area on the couches and chill out if they are feeling anxious and need a break.
6. Support Sensory and Emotional Regulation
Collaborate with your teen and the school staff to identify quiet areas in the school where students can take breaks if overwhelmed. Providing access to fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, snacks, meaningful connection or other self-regulation tools can also help.
7. Receive support from a Behavior Consultant
If executive functioning challenges continue to impact school performance and confidence, working with a behavior consultant can be a game-changer. Behavior consultants understanding how to support development and learning of executive functioning skills and autism can provide:
Personalized strategies for time management, organization, and self-advocacy.
Tools to improve task initiation and completion.
Support in navigating social interactions and understanding unwritten rules of high school.
Assistance in bridging communication between students, parents, and school staff
and more!
High School Success is Possible
Adjusting to high school takes time, and challenges are normal. By strengthening executive functioning skills and seeking the right support, autistic teens can navigate this transition with confidence. If you need extra guidance, consider reaching out to a behavior consultant with experience in executive functioning training and autism support. With the right tools and mindset, you can thrive in high school and beyond!
Nicole
This article does not constitute medical advice. Consult your sleep specialist provider for direct support to help implement these strategies and rule out possible medical considerations as well as individualize supports to you and your family.