Go with the Flow: Teaching Cognitive Flexibility to Children and Teens

What is cognitive flexibility, and why do so many kids struggle with it? In this episode, we break down a kid-friendly definition of cognitive flexibility, explore why children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or executive function delays often find it hard to switch gears — and share practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies speech-language pathologists, teachers, and parents can use to build this skill. You'll learn the different types of flexibility skills to target (shifting attention, perspective-taking, generating alternatives, and more), how to work cognitive flexibility into existing therapy goals instead of treating it as a separate target, and simple affirmations kids can use when facing change. Plus, get a peek at our themed weekly activities designed to build executive functioning skills one at a time.