Executive Function and
the Transition to College
Helping Teens Build
Skills for Independence
Mary Murphy, PhD
Tuesday
December 8, 2026
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road
Wilton
What happens when your teen suddenly has to manage college life on their own?
Getting to class, meeting deadlines, managing time, handling stress, and knowing what to do when things don’t go as planned all require strong executive function (EF) skills.
Teens and young adults rely on EF skills to:
- Manage time and stay organized;
- Prioritize and complete tasks;
- Regulate emotions (and avoid developing unhealthy coping mechanisms);
- Problem-solve and adapt when plans change;
- Establish and maintain healthy relationships; and
- Become increasingly independent and successful in college and future careers.
It is exceptionally common and expected for teens to struggle with planning, organization, time management, and other executive-function skills. These challenges are especially common among young people with ADHD and learning differences. The good news is that EF skills can be explicitly taught, supported, and strengthened.
In this presentation, clinical psychologist and local college professor Mary Murphy, PhD, will share research-informed strategies and practical tools to help families prepare adolescents for the level of independence and executive functioning needed for a successful college experience.
Participants will learn:
- The key executive-function skills teens need as they prepare for life after high school;
- Practical ways parents can create opportunities to encourage teens to practice and strengthen these skills while still having support available; and
- Real-world examples of executive-function skills needed for success in college, careers, and everyday adult life.
As a bonus, all participants will receive a helpful take-home summary of best practices from the presentation, a resource written directly for your teen.
More About Mary Murphy
Presented by SPED*NET in partnership with
Wilton Library, Wilton Public Schools,
Wilton Youth Council, Easton CT SEPTA, Newtown Sped PTA, and United SEPTSA of Stratford
SPED*NET does not provide medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material in this presentation is provided for educational purposes only.
Executive Function and
the Transition to College
Helping Teens Build
Skills for Independence
Mary Murphy, PhD
Tuesday
December 8, 2026
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road
Wilton
What happens when your teen suddenly has to manage college life on their own?
Getting to class, meeting deadlines, managing time, handling stress, and knowing what to do when things don’t go as planned all require strong executive function (EF) skills.
Teens and young adults rely on EF skills to:
- Manage time and stay organized;
- Prioritize and complete tasks;
- Regulate emotions (and avoid developing unhealthy coping mechanisms);
- Problem-solve and adapt when plans change;
- Establish and maintain healthy relationships; and
- Become increasingly independent and successful in college and future careers.
It is exceptionally common and expected for teens to struggle with planning, organization, time management, and other executive-function skills. These challenges are especially common among young people with ADHD and learning differences. The good news is that EF skills can be explicitly taught, supported, and strengthened.
In this presentation, clinical psychologist and local college professor Mary Murphy, PhD, will share research-informed strategies and practical tools to help families prepare adolescents for the level of independence and executive functioning needed for a successful college experience.
Participants will learn:
- The key executive-function skills teens need as they prepare for life after high school;
- Practical ways parents can create opportunities to encourage teens to practice and strengthen these skills while still having support available; and
- Real-world examples of executive-function skills needed for success in college, careers, and everyday adult life.
As a bonus, all participants will receive a helpful take-home summary of best practices from the presentation, a resource written directly for your teen.
More About Mary Murphy
Presented by SPED*NET in partnership with
Wilton Library, Wilton Public Schools,
Wilton Youth Council, Easton CT SEPTA, Newtown Sped PTA, and United SEPTSA of Stratford
SPED*NET does not provide medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material in this presentation is provided for educational purposes only.
Tuesday
December 8, 2026
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Wilton Library
137 Old Ridgefield Road
Wilton
What happens when your teen suddenly has to manage college life on their own?
Getting to class, meeting deadlines, managing time, handling stress, and knowing what to do when things don’t go as planned all require strong executive function (EF) skills.
Teens and young adults rely on EF skills to:
- Manage time and stay organized;
- Prioritize and complete tasks;
- Regulate emotions (and avoid developing unhealthy coping mechanisms);
- Problem-solve and adapt when plans change;
- Establish and maintain healthy relationships; and
- Become increasingly independent and successful in college and future careers.
It is exceptionally common and expected for teens to struggle with planning, organization, time management, and other executive-function skills. These challenges are especially common among young people with ADHD and learning differences. The good news is that EF skills can be explicitly taught, supported, and strengthened.
In this presentation, clinical psychologist and local college professor Mary Murphy, PhD, will share research-informed strategies and practical tools to help families prepare adolescents for the level of independence and executive functioning needed for a successful college experience.
Participants will learn:
- The key executive-function skills teens need as they prepare for life after high school;
- Practical ways parents can create opportunities to encourage teens to practice and strengthen these skills while still having support available; and
- Real-world examples of executive-function skills needed for success in college, careers, and everyday adult life.
As a bonus, all participants will receive a helpful take-home summary of best practices from the presentation, a resource written directly for your teen.
More About Mary Murphy
Presented by SPED*NET in partnership with
Wilton Library, Wilton Public Schools,
Wilton Youth Council, Easton CT SEPTA, Newtown Sped PTA, and United SEPTSA of Stratford
SPED*NET does not provide medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material in this presentation is provided for educational purposes only.
