What is Executive Function Disorder and How Can We Support Those That Have It?
When we talk about ADHD, we often focus on the two symptoms found in its name – problems with attention and problems with hyperactivity. But we know that a large percentage of those with ADHD – potentially 90% of all those with the condition – also struggle with what’s known as “executive dysfunciton,” also called “executive function disorder.” When you’re looking to support someone with ADHD, it’s important to understand more about this disorder, as it may be responsble for some or most of their ongoing life challenges – sometimes more than the ADHD itself.
Executive function disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that a person’s “executive functions.” . It is characterized by difficulties in managing and organizing thoughts, actions, and emotions, leading to challenges in planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and goal-directed behavior. Before we can understand executive function disorder, however, we first have to have a better understanding of executive functions.
Defining Executive Function
Children that develop in a more traditional way are known as “neurotypical” children. Over time, their brains develop natural skills and abilities that help them without life. Neurotypical children develop these abilities naturally, as a part of their development, and while they can be influenced by outside factors they are usually viewed as something a person will develop over time without much influence. One example of this type of development is a person’s executive functions.
“Executive functions” refer to a set of cognitive processes that allow individuals to regulate their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions in order to achieve specific goals, like completing a project, applying for college, doing homework, looking for a job, etc. It encompasses several interconnected skills, including, but not limited to:
- Inhibition – The ability to control impulsive responses, resist distractions, and maintain focus on relevant tasks or information.
- Working Memory – The capacity to hold and manipulate information in one’s mind to complete tasks, follow instructions, and solve problems.
- Cognitive Flexibility – The capacity to adapt to changing situations, shift attention between different tasks or perspectives, and switch strategies when necessary.
- Planning and Organization – The ability to set goals, develop step-by-step plans, organize materials and time, and execute tasks in a systematic manner.
- Task Initiation – The internal sense of desire or responsibility to start a task in order to begin the process of seeing the task to completion.
- Time Management – The skill to estimate, allocate, and utilize time effectively, allowing for task completion and meeting deadlines.
- Emotional Regulation – The capacity to identify, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as respond appropriately to the emotions of others.
These are all examples of executive functions – ways that your brain helps you maintain control over the things that you can control in order to achieve goals and manage life tasks effectively.
What Happens with You Do Not Develop Executive Functions?
Now that we understand what executive functions are, we can understand what it means to have executive function disorder. Children and adults with executive function disorder struggle with some or all of these different executive functions. It is not that they are choosing poor time management, for example, but rather their minds did not develop this cognitive skill. When a person has executive function disorder, they may struggle with issues such as:
- Time Blindness – Having no concept of the passage of time or the time it will take to complete a project, resulting in chronic lateness, missing work, low quality work, or significant time passing without getting started.
- Poor Task Initiation – Not having any internal cognitive tools telling you to start a task or pushing you to begin a project. Not feeling any internal pressures or drive.
- Signficiant Trouble with Planning – Not understanding how much time a task may require to complete, nor being able to determine the tasks that might be necessary to complete it.
- Poor Emotional Regulation – Feeling easily and frequently overwhelmed, or being unable to hold back frustration, anger, or sadness in a way that is disruptive to task completion (among other things).
These are only a few examples of the many, many ways that executive dysfunction might affect a person. We can go over more in our coaching sessions.
What this might look like is a college student that never applies for student loans on their own. It’s someone that procrastinates chronically, yet also hasn’t demonstrated the ability to complete tasks quickly and urgently. It’s a child that says they’ll do a task “in a minute” after they finish a game and then gets upset an hour later when you tell them to do it again because “they just started the game” having no concept that an hour has passed. It’s a teenager that never seems to be able to make a decision, even when the decision seems easy or obvious.
What’s especially important to understand – especially for parents and teachers – is that these are not in a person’s control. They are neurodivergent – their minds did not develop these skills – and so no amount of yelling or frustration can change it. They can develop strategies in life that help them manage the symptoms, but they will still have these executive dysfunctions.
Clinical Effects of Executive Function Disorder
Children (and adults) that struggle with executive function disorder tend to have difficulties and challenges with many facets of happy and goal-oriented living. Some of these issues include:
- Academic Performance – Executive function difficulties can manifest as challenges in organizing schoolwork, following instructions, completing assignments, managing time, and studying effectively.
- Social Interactions – Difficulties in cognitive flexibility, inhibition, and emotional regulation can impact social interactions, leading to challenges in maintaining friendships, understanding social cues, and resolving conflicts.
- Time Management and Organization – Individuals with executive function disorder often struggle with managing their time, keeping track of appointments, and maintaining organization in their personal and professional lives.
- Planning and Decision-making – Difficulties in planning, prioritizing tasks, and making decisions can impede individuals with executive function disorder from setting and achieving long-term goals.
- Emotional Well-being – The challenges associated with executive function disorder can lead to heightened stress, frustration, and low self-esteem, impacting overall emotional well-being.
These are some of the clinical effects of executive functioning disorder, and these effects can also compound themselves into other issues. For example, many people with executive function disorder struggle with anxiety and depression, because being unable to maintain social friendships or reach goals can take its toll, even at a young age.
Support and Strategies for Executive Function Improvements
While executive function disorder is a lifelong condition, there are various strategies and interventions that can help individuals manage their challenges effectively. These may include:
- Skill Building – Targeted interventions can focus on enhancing specific executive function skills, such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and organization, through structured exercises and practice.
- Environmental Modifications – Creating an environment that supports executive function can involve implementing visual aids, checklists, calendars, and other organizational tools to enhance planning, time management, and task completion.
- Assistive Technology – The use of technological tools, such as digital organizers, task management apps, and reminder systems, can help individuals compensate for executive function difficulties and improve productivity.
- Supportive Structures – Collaboration with educators, employers, and family members is crucial to implementing accommodations and support systems tailored to the individual’s needs, such as extended time for tasks, preferential seating, and task breakdown.
Through ADHD coaching and executive functioning support, it is possible to regain some control over these tasks and the effects that they can have on the individual’s contentment. Executive dysfunction cannot be cured, but through coaching, there are many strategies that can be used to make it more manageable.
Learning to Live a Better Life with Executive Function Disorder
By implementing targeted support and employing a strengths-based approach, individuals with executive function disorder can navigate their challenges and lead fulfilling lives, utilizing their unique strengths and compensatory strategies to achieve their goals. At ADHD Training Center, we are here to help your child, teen, or YOU, learn how to stop letting executive dysfunction hold you back. Reach out today to learn more.