About The Surrogate Frontal Lobe

The Surrogate Frontal Lobe is a newsletter about executive function: the brain systems that help us plan, start, shift, and follow through, and what happens when the world asks more of them than they can give.

I’m Jennifer Lauren, a developmental researcher, executive function specialist, and late-identified neurodivergent woman. I bring the rigor of a researcher and the understanding of someone who has lived what many of my readers are living.

What you’ll find here

Read the Research With Me. Studies in plain language, including what they don’t show.
The Executive Function of Institutions. How universities, healthcare systems, and workplaces quietly shift their organizational work onto individuals.
Be Your Own Scientist. Practical ways to test what works for your brain.

Why the name

For years, I’ve used the phrase “surrogate frontal lobe” with parents who carry their child’s executive functioning for them. My work is about stepping in only where support is needed, then helping people find and use their own strengths. Borrow mine while I help you build yours.

If you’d like support beyond the newsletter, I offer executive function coaching, education, and consulting at surrogatefrontallobe.com.

For short research bites between issues, find me on Instagram at @surrogatefrontallobe.

Nothing here is therapy, diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice, and it is not a clinical or licensed service.