TPP 483: Sarah Kesty on Stealth Manifestations of Executive Function Challenges

Today we’re digging into executive function — what it really is, why it matters so much for neurodivergent kids (and adults!), and how we can better support these skills without judgment or overwhelm. Sarah and I talk about how awareness around executive function has evolved, why self-regulation is foundational, and how different skills — emotional, cognitive, and behavioral — are all interconnected. She shares her supportive, nonjudgmental coaching philosophy, along with practical ideas for helping kids with lagging executive function skills and navigating resistance when it shows up. Most importantly, Sarah reminds us that there is so much hope here: executive function skills can grow, and there are concrete steps we can take to help our kids thrive. About Sarah Kesty  Sarah Kesty helps amazing neurodivergent people create strategies to thrive! She is an executive function, autism, and ADHD coach and host of the Executive Function Podcast. A 4-time teacher of the year, Sarah’s Brain Tools School coaching and learning programs support high schoolers, college students, adults, and coaches in developing executive function skills to smooth out life. Sarah specializes in translating research into real-life, actionable strategies. She regularly writes and presents for international groups and publications, including The Humane Society, State Departments of Education, Psychology Today, and Edutopia. Sarah’s trainings teach businesses and schools to create environments and systems that support executive function. Her mission is to make the world brain-friendly, inclusive, and a little more fun. An avid birder and local Trail Guide, she and her family live in San Diego, surrounded by nature. Her book for teachers, Growing Executive Function, was released September 2025 (Solution Tree). Things you'll learn from this episode  How executive function serves as a foundation for success and why self-regulation is central to these skills Why “living in hard mode” can hinder executive functioning and how environmental factors play a major role How executive function skills can be taught, supported, and improved over time Why non-judgmental, supportive coaching helps children build confidence and reduce avoidance How visual aids and small, structured supports can make time management more accessible Why recognizing and celebrating small wins reinforces progress and builds hope for continued growth Resources mentioned Sarah Kesty’s website Growing Executive Function: Empowering Secondary Students With Skills for Lifelong Success (Executive function made easy for teachers) by Sarah Kesty Stop Playing in Hard Mode (Psychology Today) Sarah Kesty on Psychology Today Sarah Kesty on Instagram Sarah Kesty on YouTube Sarah Kesty on Edutopia Sarah Kesty on Facebook Seth Perler (executive function coach) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices