Real-Life Executive Functioning: Accountability, Science, and Community
By Lisa Shanken
March 31, 2026
Awareness is a starting point, but it isn’t the destination. For the neurodivergent community, the goal is creating and utilizing systems that work in practice.
I recently joined Paul Cruz on the Neurodiversity Voices Podcast to discuss how we move from "knowing what to do" to actually doing it. As an Executive Functioning Coach and the founder of Social Bloom andLove Bloom, I’ve seen firsthand that the missing piece isn't necessarily a better planner or calendar, it's often emotional regulation and accountability.
In our episode, we explored:
- The Reality of Executive Functioning: It’s about more than staying organized; it’s about cognitive flexibility and how we move through the world.
- The Gut-Brain Connection: We discussed how our physical health and emotional regulation are deeply intertwined.
- The Loneliness Gap: Why traditional meetups often fail neurodivergent adults and how structured, 13-week cohorts build lasting, authentic friendships.
- Implementation vs. Planning: Practical strategies for breaking the patterns of dysregulation during moments of anxiety.
Lisa Shanken
My passion is to help you live your healthiest and most harmonious life, but in a way that’s realistic and practical for you as a unique individual on this planet. My philosophy is all about “balance,” never a diet since a diet is not sustainable for life, aka Kill The Diet.
Parallel Play—Connecting Without the Pressure
By Lisa Shanken
April 14, 2026
In our culture, we are often taught that "quality time" involves active, face-to-face engagement. We typically think of socializing as people sitting together, engaged in constant back-and-forth conversation. But for many neurodivergent individuals, one of the most profound and restful forms of intimacy is parallel play: the act of being...
Beyond Small Talk: The Power of Shared Interests
By Lisa Shanken
April 6, 2026
Many neurodivergent adults find "small talk" to be an exhausting barrier to connection. It often feels like a series of script-based questions, “What do you do for work?” and “How about this weather?”, that doesn't actually reveal who a person is. If you’ve ever felt like you’re "bad at socializing,"...
Testimonials
Lisa’s weight loss plan really gave me a new insight to healthy eating and living. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2015. Healthy living/easting/exercise has become very important to me and my family and this program really helped me get even more on the course with this and helped me lose weight.
Danielle D, Great Neck, NY
When I heard about the 10 Day Weight Loss Challenge, I wasn’t sure if it would be a good fit, since as a physician, I understand nutrition and health (and therefore knew the dangers of fad diets, etc…), and I do my best to exercise (though not always enough). But as a single mother of 2, it’s still very challenging ti “fit in all in” (including cooking healthy meals for my children) due to my busy schedule. And when my time is short, bad habits crop up and weight gain follows.
Dr. Gila Ackerman, Boulder, CO
Psychiatrist
Lisa has made an enormous contribution to my health and strength. I have seen and felt the most fantastic changes in an amazingly short time.
Chessie F, Boulder, CO
I just wanted to say you were amazing through this 10 day process! I learned so much from you! You were very thorough in all areas of the challenge and got back to us in such a quick manner with our questions. It was a great jump start into a more healthy life style that’s for sure!
Colby E, Boulder, Colorado
I LOVE the recipes, simple, few ingredients, appealing. I like the idea of using the list of staples you provided when i was tempted to cheat!
Phyliss S, Spring House, PA
I worked with Lisa to develop a holistic wellness plan that has allowed personal growth without having to completely change my lifestyle. Her programs are designed around your personal needs, so I always feel like I've gotten the most from my sessions and leave with manageable goals. Lisa's three-prong approach to wellness (fitness, nutrition and health) is helping me live a balanced and grateful life.
Ali S., Boulder, CO
I’ve been through the ringer with different dieting plans through the years. Some helped me lose weight and some didn’t – but it didn’t matter because I would always gain it back. I didn’t know if this 10 day Weight Loss Challenge would be the answer since everyone says they have the “BEST” way to lose weight. But this one seemed to be more doable – like instead of starving myself, keeping track of calories (“been there done that – VERY annoying!”) and things I know I wouldn’t stick to.
Jill W, Park, NY
Lisa, you have been a very positive role model for me! Through the exercise and diet I’m becoming healthy and more positive about my life!!! Thanks!