Executive Functions: The Brain's Management Team

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can affect various aspects of executive functioning. Executive functions are cognitive processes that help manage and control our behavior, thoughts, and emotions to achieve goals. ADHD impacts are in part due to an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex compromising brain functions. Additionally, deficits in neurotransmitters that maintain a "rewards" system responsible for creating incentive are impaired. ADHD treatment is successful when multi-modal support is established. Coaching is an evidence-based modality that supports building awareness and focus on building skills in a way that works for your life and circumstances. 

Coaching provides support to strengthen awareness and develop skills that help you make sense of your unique experience. ADHD symptoms present on a spectrum for every individual. Acknowledge challenges, accept how your brain works, and leverage your strengths to overcome obstacles so that you can live the life that you envision.

Executive functions are classified in to the following categories:

Emotional dysregulation is common in ADHD. Often ADHDers are told that they are "too sensitive" or acting "out of proportion" to the situation. Coupled with impulsivity, individuals might react quickly and intensely to emotions, which can affect social interactions, relationships and decision-making. 

Individuals with ADHD might struggle with inhibiting impulsive behaviors or language. This includes hyperactivity in the body and/or mind, resulting in the inability to suppress physical movements (i.e. fidgeting, restlessness), inattentiveness, racing thoughts, or interrupting.  

Working memory involves holding and manipulating information in mind for short periods. People with ADHD might have challenges with this, affecting tasks like following multi-step instructions, organizing thoughts, and maintaining focus on tasks. Distractions can lead to a lack of follow-through on present activities.

Shifting from one task or activity to another can be difficult for people with ADHD. They might get stuck in hyperfocus or routines and have trouble transitioning or adapting to unanticipated changes. Perfectionism a.k.a. All-or-Nothing thinking is also a commonality for ADHDers and can hinder initiation, follow-through and impact emotional regulation around defining what is considered "good enough".

Individuals with ADHD often struggle with planning, prioritizing, and organizing. They might have difficulties breaking tasks into achievable and actionable steps, prioritizing what is essential, and managing time effectively. Time blindness is a difficulty with perception of time, how much has passed, and how long it may take to complete a task. Organization is being able to find what you need, when you need it.

Maintaining motivation for tasks that are not highly stimulating can be tough. Individuals with ADHD might need more immediate rewards or external structures to stay engaged. ADHDers have an interest-based nervous system, which explains why there is no shortage of focus for activities that are fueled by interest!

Getting started on tasks can be a challenge due to difficulties with task initiation. This can lead to procrastination and avoidance. Distractibility plays in to this executive function, where people with ADHD easily can get distracted from the task that is important, urgent or necessary with something else that has a reduced mental load or is interest-based.

People with ADHD might struggle with self-awareness and self-monitoring, making it hard to evaluate their own behavior, recognize mistakes, and adjust accordingly with future actions based on past outcomes.