What is Cognitive load?

Written by

Livia Farkas || First published: 4 March, 2025 | Last edited: 4 March, 2025 || 📚🕒 Reading Time: < 1 minute

Cognitive load refers to the total amount of mental effort being used at any given time.

For neurodivergent people, activities that others might find automatic (like maintaining expected facial expressions or processing background noise) can significantly increase cognitive load.

When cognitive load is high, the brain prioritizes essential tasks over social performance.

« Back to the Glossary

About the Author

Livia Farkas

Livia is a Neurodivergent Adaptation Educator with a sharp sense for simplifying complex ideas. Since 2008, she's developed 294 distinct techniques catered to the needs of clients. A total of 5058 alumni have enrolled in one or more of the 8 online courses she co-developed with Adam, offering neurodivergence-inclusive frameworks for time management, goal setting, self-care for mental health, and small-business management. Her life goal is to be a walking permission slip for neurodivergent adults. In her free time, she enjoys stickers & planners, crochet & roller skates, and running around with her pet bunny Rumi.
View all posts