What is Executive Function?

According to Dr. Russel Barkley:

“Executive function is the cognitive process that organizes thoughts and activities, prioritizes tasks, manages time efficiently, and makes decisions.

Executive function skills are the skills that help us establish structures and strategies for managing projects and determine the actions required to move each project forward.

Individuals with executive dysfunction often struggle to analyze, plan, organize, schedule, and complete tasks at all — or on deadline. They misplace materials, prioritize the wrong things, and get overwhelmed by big projects.”

People with ADHD often struggle with the following 7 Executive Dysfunctions:

1. Self-awareness

2. Inhibition

3. Non-verbal working memory

4. Verbal working memory

5. Emotional self-regulation

6. Self motivation

7. Planning and Problem solving