How executive functioning coaches help neurodivergent kids with Norrine Russell

Brad
1 day ago
2 min read

Release date: June 1, 2026

Interest in executive functioning coaches for neurodivergent kids has grown considerably over the last five years, which is both exciting and worrisome. It is exciting because coaches promise to help students plan, organize, focus, and manage their emotions and tasks. It is worrisome because there are no degree, training, or licensing requirements to be an executive functioning coach. To help me parse this and to gain a better understanding of executive functioning coaches, how they work, and what to look for in a coach, I asked Norrine Russell to come on the podcast. Norrine has decades of experience in youth development, and her firm, Russell Coaching, has been working with neurodivergent students since well before the recent boom. More information about Norrine and Russell Coaching is below.

Biography of Marcus Fernandez

Dr. Norrine Russell is the founder of Russell Coaching for Students, a global academic coaching practice specializing in executive functioning, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning differences. Since 2009, her innovative model—Connected Coaching—has supported thousands of students in building motivation, independence, and effective study habits. Her innovative work and expertise have been featured on over 100 podcasts.

Dr. Russell is also the host of her own podcast, “ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety: Breaking Out of the Box,” and the author of “Asking the Right Questions Before, During, and After Your Child’s ADHD Diagnosis.” She is currently working on her second book, “Asking the Right Questions Before, During, and After Your Child’s Autism Diagnosis.” Through her work, she brings practical, research-informed strategies to families navigating academic and emotional challenges of ADHD and autism.

With over 20 years of experience in youth development and parent education, Dr. Russell has deep expertise in executive functioning, study skills, social and emotional learning, ADHD, Autism, tweens and teens, learning differences, and positive parenting approaches. She has taught psychology and education courses at the University of Tampa, Eckerd College, Sweet Briar College, and the University of Minnesota–Morris, and consults with schools nationwide.

Her work is also informed by personal experience raising two neurologically atypical children, giving her a unique perspective on the day-to-day realities families face. She is passionate about helping students thrive academically while supporting the well-being of the entire family.