Why Social Skills Are Hard: The Executive Function Link

Title
Why Social Skills Are Hard: The Executive Function Link Every Parent Should Know

Summary
Many kids spend years in social skills groups but still struggle in real life. It’s not because they aren’t trying. It’s because social skills rely on something deeper: executive function. It's not that social skills groups are inherently bad, but in this webinar, you’ll learn the role of fundamental executive function skills required that shape social communication and why progress may stall when these skills aren't supposed. You’ll walk away understanding what’s been missing and some practical strategies you can begin to implement right away to shape those foundational skills that might be missing.

Professional Bio

Amy Zembriski, MBA, M.S., CCC-SLP specializes in supporting autistic and ADHD children through a neurodiversity-affirming, executive function–centered approach. She has extensive training in supporting children who use delayed echolalia to communicate, in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and in understanding how executive function shapes language, behavior, and social connection. As a late-diagnosed ADHD clinician, Amy blends clinical expertise with lived experience, giving her a nuanced perspective on how differently brains learn, communicate, and thrive. This allows her to design supports that are individualized, respectful, and aligned with each child’s natural way of processing the world. Amy has served as an expert speaker, providing professional development for professionals through large educational summits, podcasts, and state conferences, where she shares practical guidance on executive function, AAC, and gestalt language processing. Her work continues to center on empowering families and professionals with research-informed, compassionate, and practical tools that create meaningful change.