Body Doubling, Chunking and Hope: Practical Executive Function Support for Autistic & ADHD Students with Dr Tara Williams

What happens when your child is doing fine academically, but socially they're drowning? They might understand the material, they can answer the questions, they might even be top of the class, or maybe they're struggling academically because of the environment. Either way, there's an impact, the transitions, the crowds, the shifting expectations, the executive function load. It's building, and slowly you see the cracks, the missed assignments, the shutdown, the avoidance. Today we're unpacking what's really happening when bright autistic and ADHD students suddenly start struggling, and the practical ways we can support them to thrive. I'm joined by Dr. Tara Williams, a specialist in executive functioning support for autistic and ADHD students. We're talking transitions, university pressure, body doubling, chunking, self-advocacy, and why sometimes the difference between shutdown and success is a small structural change most systems overlook. EPISODE REVEALS Bright autistic and ADHD students don’t suddenly go off the rails. Environment matters as much as curriculum: crowds, noise and constant transitions can easily push a child off track. Executive function struggles show up as lost items, missed deadlines and blank screens, not lack of caring. Often, this gets misread as laziness. Body doubling, visual supports, timers and chunking big tasks into tiny steps make starting possible and build confidence over time. Self‑advocacy is a skill, not a switch; parents can offer structured support now and gradually hand over emails, planning, and conversations to their child. Struggling isn’t failure, it’s feedback about what needs to change. BEST MOMENTS "You get school avoidance, depression, then they're not socialising, and they're feeling lonely, but they don't want to go in because they're going to be bullied - there's a spiral effect." "I love body doubling, it really helps." "It's okay just to be you." ABOUT THE GUEST www.innovativecollegiateconsultants.com. Taras's book - The Neurodivergent Student Journey - https://a.co/d/0eEbjOII Instagram: @learningwithdr.tara https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-williams-phd/ https://www.youtube.com/@learningwithDrTara EPISODE RESOURCESFamisafe Parental control App: https://wondersharesoftware.pxf.io/ParentingAUDHD What to Do When Your Child Shuts Down: https://amzn.eu/d/0fBIfbhR The Mandela effect sci-fi novel https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/2017413402 Eva: https://www.youtube.com/@InspireWithUsYT/ CLIFF´S SERVICES Are you struggling with anxiety and want support from someone who has been there and come out the other side? - Message Cliff here and take advantage of his founding members offer: https://m.me/cliff.kilmister Are you feeling overwhelmed with EHCP paperwork or are you stuck? Cliff, who has personally been through the process offers body-doubling and step-by-step support. You can contact him here - https://m.me/cliff.kilmister CONTACT ME Instagram: @cliff_kilmister08 Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cliff.kilmister X - @KilmisterCliff YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ParentingAutismandADHD HOST BIO Cliff Kilmister is a dedicated parent, advocate, and cat whisperer with firsthand experience raising a child with autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Having navigated the challenges of school refusal, meltdowns, and sensory sensitivities, Cliff brings an empathetic, real-world perspective to the podcast. Cliff offers practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories to help families facing similar struggles. Cliff is focused on connecting with professionals and networks to raise awareness about the growing need for the education system to adapt to the increasing neurodiverse population. Join the community on Patreon to share experiences, access exclusive content, and work together for change! This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/