Executive Function 101: The Hidden Superpower for Adulting

Practical Strategies to Strengthen the Brain’s CEOExecutive function skills—planning, organization, emotional regulation, task initiation, and follow-through—are the foundation of independence, resilience, and success in adulthood. Yet for many teens and young adults—especially those with ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, or gifted/twice-exceptional profiles—these skills develop unevenly and under intense pressure.

On January 12, Emerging Founder & CEO Laura Barr was joined by expert clinicians Dr Elly Maras & Dr Kim Yoshino from Birch Psychology for a thoughtful, research-informed conversation about executive function development in today’s world—and what parents can do to support it.

This conversation blended clinical insight, educational strategy, and real-world application to help families better understand how the brain develops, why teens struggle, and how they build skills that actually stick.

🧠 💻 What We ExploredThe Intersection of Social Milestones & Brain Development

How advances in technology and social media have influenced adolescent brain developmentSocial experiences teens are gaining—and missing—compared to previous generationsHow delayed independence can impact the development of executive function skills

Technology as a Double-Edged Sword

Ways technology can support executive function through tools like organization systems, reminders, and scaffoldingHow technology can undermine executive function by impacting focus, emotional regulation, and task initiationHow families can establish healthier, more intentional boundaries around technology use

What Parents Can Do to Prepare Their Teens

Realistic ways parents can support executive function skill development at homeWhat helps teens internalize executive function skills rather than relying on constant reminders or external pressureWhen executive function coaching is helpful and when a clinical assessment or therapy may be more appropriate

🌱 Why This Conversation MatteredExecutive function challenges are often mistaken for lack of motivation or effort. In reality, they reflect skill gaps shaped by brain development, stress, environment, and modern demands. This conversation helped parents shift from frustration to understanding—and from micromanaging to meaningful support.

👥 About the GuestsDr Elly Maras

Licensed clinician & trained school psychologist specializing in ADHD, neurodiversity, trauma-informed assessment, and family-centered therapy. Read Elly’s full bio.