SLP 360: Why "Won't" Is Actually "Can't": Rethinking Executive Functioning in Neurodivergent Students

SLP 360: Why "Won't" Is Actually "Can't": Rethinking Executive Functioning in Neurodivergent Students

Author: Sue Larkey September 21, 2026 Duration: 35:42

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✅ Origins: Dean began autism advocacy work in 2004 as a teenager.
✅ Executive Function: Brain's "admin team" handles planning and emotional regulation.
✅ Autistic Inertia: Difficulty shifting from stopped to started, or vice versa.
✅ Object Permanence: Hidden items feel forgotten, causing hidden anxiety.
✅ Reframing: Struggles are "can't do," not laziness or avoidance.
✅ Sensory Load: Autistic brains process significantly more information at rest.
✅ Environment Change: Adjusting structures helps all students, not just neurodivergent ones.

Read more about this podcast in the show notes found via the link below

suelarkey.com.au/autistic-inertia-classroom-strategies

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The Sue Larkey Podcast-Autism (ASD), ADHD, ODD and PDA education is a practical resource for parents, educators, and carers navigating neurodiversity. Hosted by experienced teacher and consultant Sue Larkey, this podcast translates complex topics into actionable advice you can use straight away. Each episode focuses on real-world strategies for supporting children and teens across the spectrum, including those with co-occurring conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Pathological Demand Avoidance. The conversation spans from early intervention through the teenage years and into adulthood, addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities at each stage. You’ll hear clear explanations of often-misunderstood behaviours, alongside evidence-based techniques for communication, learning, and reducing anxiety in home and school settings. The tone is consistently empathetic and grounded in decades of hands-on experience, making specialist knowledge feel accessible. While the core of the podcast is Sue's direct guidance, she frequently incorporates insights from other professionals and the lived experiences of families. It’s designed to be both informative and reassuring, offering a sense of community and practical next steps. For those who want to dive deeper, show notes often point to related books and downloadable resources available on Sue's website, extending the learning from each audio session. This is a podcast that understands the daily realities of supporting neurodivergent young people, prioritizing useful takeaways over theory.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Sue Larkey Podcast - Autism (ASD), ADHD, ODD and PDA education
Podcast Episodes