Quick guide to planning and prioritizing tasks

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Supporting Neurodivergent High School Learners

Many parents of neurodivergent high school students notice that planning and prioritizing tasks can be a daily challenge. ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent profiles often mean that traditional strategies do not always fit. Your child may feel overwhelmed by a long to-do list, struggle to know where to start, or feel anxious about finishing work on time. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. With understanding and the right tools, your child can learn to tackle complex assignments and everyday responsibilities with growing confidence.

Definitions

Planning means breaking a goal or assignment into smaller, manageable steps and deciding what needs to be done and when. Prioritizing is figuring out which tasks are most important or urgent, so your child knows what to work on first.

Why Planning & Prioritization Matter for Executive Function

Executive function is a set of mental skills that help us manage time, organize information, and control impulses. High school students, especially those who are neurodivergent, use executive function skills every day—whether they are preparing for finals, managing projects, or balancing homework with extracurriculars. Experts in child development note that strong planning and prioritization support academic success, help reduce stress, and build lifelong independence.

Many teachers and parents report that students who learn to plan and prioritize feel less anxiety about schoolwork. They are more likely to turn in assignments on time and feel proud of their progress. For neurodivergent learners, growth in these areas can be especially meaningful, building confidence and resilience when facing new challenges.

Common Emotional Barriers: Why It Feels So Hard

Even with good intentions, your child may feel stuck when it comes to planning and prioritizing. Emotional barriers are real. Here are a few of the most common:

• Overwhelm: A busy calendar or a long list of assignments can make your child freeze up, not knowing where to start.
• Perfectionism: Wanting to do everything “just right” may lead to avoidance or procrastination.
• Fear of failure: Worrying about making mistakes can cause your child to avoid tackling tasks altogether.
• Low motivation: If tasks feel boring or unrelated to personal interests, it is hard to get started.
• Difficulty with transitions: Shifting from one activity to another, or from planning to action, can feel stressful.

For neurodivergent high schoolers, these feelings might be stronger due to differences in the way their brains process information, manage time, or filter distractions. Normalizing these struggles is key—every student faces setbacks, and growth comes from trying new strategies, not being perfect.

Quick Guide to Planning and Prioritizing Tasks: Step-by-Step for Parents

If you are searching for a quick guide to planning and prioritizing tasks, it helps to start with empathy. Your child’s challenges are not a reflection of effort or ability. Here are steps you can use at home to make planning and prioritizing feel less overwhelming:

1. Start with a calm, supportive check-in. Before diving into task lists, ask how your child is feeling. Acknowledging stress or frustration can help them move past emotional barriers.
2. Get everything out of your child’s head. Use a whiteboard, sticky notes, or a digital list to write down all assignments, chores, or responsibilities. This “brain dump” helps reduce overwhelm.
3. Identify priorities together. Look at due dates, importance, and energy levels. Ask, “Which assignment is due soonest? Which will take the most time?” This models how to organize tasks, making it concrete and visual.
4. Break down big tasks. Turn large projects into smaller steps. For example, “Write history paper” becomes “Choose a topic,” “Make an outline,” “Write draft,” and “Edit final version.”
5. Use visual supports. Color-coded lists, calendars, or apps can help neurodivergent learners see what needs to be done and feel in control.
6. Set realistic time blocks. Instead of working until something is finished, try 20–30 minute focus periods with planned breaks.
7. Encourage self-advocacy. If your child is stuck, model how to ask for help—from teachers, classmates, or you.
8. Celebrate progress, not just completion. Notice when your child finishes a step or overcomes a barrier. Positive feedback builds motivation and self-trust.

Parent Q&A: How Can I Help My Child Who Gets Stuck Starting?

Many parents ask, “What can I do if my child never seems to start their work?” It is common for neurodivergent high schoolers to struggle with task initiation, especially when a project feels unclear or overwhelming. Try sitting with your child to clarify the first step. For example, instead of “Do math homework,” break it into “Find math notebook” or “Open assignment page.” Sometimes, just getting started is the hardest part. Offer to work alongside your child for five minutes. Your presence can reduce anxiety and help them build momentum. Over time, your child may need less hands-on support as their confidence grows.

High School Planning & Prioritization: Routines That Work

For high schoolers, routines make planning and prioritization second nature. Consider these supports:

• Weekly planning sessions: Choose a day to review upcoming assignments, tests, and activities. Use this time to update calendars and adjust priorities.
• Morning or evening checklists: Simple routines, like checking tomorrow’s schedule before bed, help prevent last-minute surprises.
• Visual cues: Keep checklists or calendars visible in your child’s workspace. Apps are great, but some students benefit from paper reminders.
• Accountability partners: Encourage your child to check in with a friend, sibling, or trusted adult about progress.
• Flexible routines: Allow your child to adjust plans as needed. Flexibility reduces frustration when unexpected events come up.

When planning routines, involve your child in decision-making. This increases buy-in and helps them learn what works best for their unique style. Remember, every small success is a building block for future independence.

Coaching Tips: Building Executive Function with Compassion

Coaching your neurodivergent high schooler through planning and prioritizing tasks is about progress, not perfection. Keep these tips in mind:

• Model positive self-talk. When a plan changes, say, “It is okay to shift priorities. We are learning together.”
• Normalize setbacks. Share stories from your own life when you had to adjust your plans.
• Practice together. Planning and prioritizing can be learned like any other skill—through repetition and gentle feedback.
• Connect tasks to interests. Help your child see how homework connects to their goals, hobbies, or future plans.
• Use tools that fit your child. Some students love digital apps; others prefer sticky notes or whiteboards. There is no single “right” way.

If you are looking for more strategies, K12 Tutoring’s executive function resources offer practical guides, checklists, and support for families.

Tutoring Support

Every child’s learning journey is unique, and K12 Tutoring is here to help your family every step of the way. Whether your high schooler needs help breaking down big assignments, learning how to prioritize, or building confidence, our experienced tutors offer compassionate, tailored support. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and independence.

Related Resources

• Executive Function Fact Sheet – Reading Rockets
• Planning, Organizing, Prioritizing, Initiating: Building Life Skills – Springer LD (Springer)
• 3 Steps for Teens to Master Time Management – Connecticut Children’s

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].