The Executive Function Podcast

Written by: Sarah Kesty Brain Tools School
  • Summary

  • Helpful, fun, and effective strategies to support everyone's executive function! Learn how to coach yourself, your teen, or your child to manage attention, organize, and plan. We share inspiration for families and individuals with neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities and more. We love what we do and are passionate about helping you thrive!
    Sarah Kesty, Brain Tools School
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Episodes
  • Ep 66 Autism on Stage: Elaine Hall shares her journey and insights
    May 6 2025

    Team,

    Elaine Hall is a force of nature, whose story will inspire you! On the show, Elaine talks about her experiences with her son, Neil, and the creation of the Miracle Project, an inclusive theater program for autistic youth and young adults. You may know her from Love on the Spectrum, Autism the Musical, or through her books (did I mention how amazing she is?) She shares the executive function tricks that help her brain! And with so many wins and creative projects, clearly her strategies work!

    In the show, we talk about an upcoming event for The Mircale Project. Click here to get tickets to "Out of My Head" May 9 and 10, 2025.

    All my love (and see you at the show!)

    Sarah


    More about Elaine:

    Founder of The Miracle Project, an inclusive theater and film program; star of HBO’s Emmy Winning film Autism: The Musical, Elaine Hall is internationally recognized for using the arts to enhance quality of life for neurodivergent individuals, and is one of Hollywood’s first Access Coordinators. Elaine has co- written and produced over 30 original musicals featuring neurodivergent, disabled and non-disabled

    actors; Her methods documented in her text book, Seven Keys to Unlock Autism, are now evidence-based and the book has been used as a text book at Brown University, USC, UCLA among others. Featured in The New York Times, WSJ, Boston Globe, on CNN, CBS, OWN, NPR among others, Elaine has worked as advisor, script consultant, content developer, on-set coach, and/or casting consultant for Netflix, Shondaland, Amazon, Hulu, Disney, Sony Pictures including appearing in the Netflix hit, Love on the Spectrum and Jason Katim’s As We See It. Elaine consulted on the film EZRA, starring a twelve-year-old autistic boy along with Robert De Nero and on . She has spoken at the United Nations several times and is a keynote speaker across the globe. Elaine has received numerous awards most recently being inducted into the inaugural Kindness Hall of Fame.

    Co-founder of the Hollywood advocacy group, 1IN4, she was the Access Coordinator at the BARBIE Premiere. Elaine identifies as neurodivergent herself, and has an adult autistic son who communicates with AAC. Together they are committed to changing the media’s representation of disability - moving from ‘inclusion’ to ‘belonging.’ They are both featured in Scott Steindorff’s new film, Understanding Autism. Elaine recently worked with Yorgos Lanthimus on his new film Bugonia.

    Elaine’s memoir, Now I See the Moon, an official selection by the United Nations, is in development for a limited TV series. Elaine offers consultation, keynote speaking, and coaching for individuals; workshops, and seminars. www.Elaine-hall.com


    #ElaineHall, #autism, #neurodivergent, #adhd, #executivefunction, #LoveontheSpectrum, #AsWeSeeIt

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    55 mins
  • Ep 65 Grandma Has ADHD: Jami Shapiro shares executive function supports for seniors (and all of us!)
    Apr 24 2025

    Team,

    My new friend Jami Shapiro had me at the title of her podcast, "Grandma Has ADHD." And, while it's funny and memorable, it's also an important perspective to consider: how do we address executive function needs, as seniors or those who love and support them? How do we ensure seniors are included in the neurodiversity conversations? Jami shares her story and some great strategies that help all of us.

    All my love to you!

    Sarah


    Jami's podcast: /https://grandmahasadhd.com/

    About Jami: Jami Shapiro, the Founder of Silver Linings Transitions, was inspired to build the company after facing a cancer diagnosis in her early 30s.

    After starting Silver Linings Transitions, Jami’s fifteen-year marriage ended and she saw personally how difficult it is for women to re-enter the workforce (whether or not it’s a result of divorce after taking time off to raise children), especially in a meaningful way. Her company allows her to combine her passion for helping helping women balancing home and work, develop the skills and confidence necessary to compete in today’s job market while also helping clients who need extra nurturing and compassion during tough times.


    More ways to get support:

    ICD:

    Institute for Challenging Disorganization

    NASSMM:National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers

    NAPONational Association of Productivity and Organizing

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    34 mins
  • Ep 64 Choosing the right college for your brain, with Jordan Burstein
    Apr 17 2025

    Hey team!

    There are so many options for college, and many are designed to support bright students with executive dysfunction! Listen to my conversation with college consultant, Jordan Burstein, as we talk about his non-linear path to success! He takes what he's learned and helps others find their way!

    Even if you're not prepping for college for yourself or your teen, this episode is full of hope and a great model for what's possible when you keep seeking the right tools and spaces for your brain!

    All my love,

    Sarah

    #executive function, #ADHD, #neurodivergent, #college

    Learn more about Jordan:

    Jordan Burstein serves high school students with learning differences. His goal is to help students who may need intervention find success in the student’s current school or find a more appropriate fit for the struggling learner. Jordan has a BA in Psychology and has personal experience dealing with learning disabilities, ADHD and previously struggling in school. Jordan brings a vast understanding into a situation where students may feel alone and marginalized. Previous to joining the practice, Jordan worked as a Mental Health Specialist. He has also worked as an academic mentor for college students at risk. This includes students with learning differences, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. As a mentor, Jordan led students to become more organized in both academia and thrive in a social setting.

    Jordan resides in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and dog. He attended Deerfield High School, Landmark College and Roosevelt University. He is a member of CHADD and the Learning Disability Association of America. Jordan completed the Summer Institute for independent educational consultants through IECA, the only accrediting organization for independent consultants. He has, and continues to visit many colleges and post-secondary programs for students with learning differences, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. These visits provided Jordan an understanding of the programs and allows him to find the best fit for your student.

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    41 mins

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