ADHD and Executive Functioning: How are they connected?
Executive functioning and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are very closely related. It is difficult to talk about one without mentioning the other!
Many of the behaviours linked to ADHD - like being easily distracted, highly active, or acting without forethought - are believed to derive from challenges with executive functioning skills. But what exactly are these skills? Imagine them as the CEOs of your brain or the conductors of an orchestra. They're in charge of keeping everything running smoothly, whether it's learning new things, getting along with others, or making decisions.
Executive Functions include:
Impulse Control: the ability to think before you act
Emotional Regulation: the ability to monitor and control your emotional reactions
Shifting: the ability to switch from one activity to another, or adjust when plans change
Initiating: the ability to start a task or assignment
Planning: the ability to think through the steps towards a goal
Organising: the ability to keeps things in a logical order or location
Working Memory: the ability to keep one piece of information in mind while doing something else; i.e. keeping your whole “to-do” list in mind while completing one task at a time
Self-Monitoring: the ability to think about and analyse your own actions
As we grow, these skills become more and more important. When we are little, our parents usually act as our "executives," helping us to stay on track. But as we become teens and adults, we're required to take on these responsibilities ourselves. And did you know? The part of our brain where executive functions live keeps growing until we're in our twenties. That might explain why some “grown-ups” still need help with these skills!
So what about ADHD?
Many people think ADHD is just about having trouble paying attention, but it's a bit more complicated than that. People with ADHD are often paying attention to too many tasks at once, not too few. It's like they're in a crowded room with lots of noise and don't know where to focus. So, it's not about paying more attention, but about directing attention effectively. Therefore, we can support ADHDers by teaching skills to assist with regulating their attention in order to help them to pay attention to the right tasks, at the right time, and in the right order. Understanding your executive functioning strengths and challenges is key to overcoming differences associated with attention, task completion, behaviour, organisation and planning.
It is worth noting that not everyone who struggles with Executive Functioning has ADHD, but everyone with ADHD will likely have struggles with Executive Functioning at some stage of their life. An assessment can help you determine the cause of the challenges you see (e.g., ADHD, a learning disorder, anxiety, or something else) and the best way to support yourself or your young person. If you would like to speak with someone about an assessment for yourself or your child, please contact our friendly Assessment team via email (assessments@kiddclinic.com.au) or phone (08 6237 7940).
There are plenty of resources available, like books such as "ADHD 2.0" and "Smart but Scattered," as well as websites like ADDitude and Understood.org. They offer tips, strategies, and support for managing ADHD and executive functioning challenges. Our Training and Development team also provides training to teachers on Supporting ADHDers in the classroom. By understanding how ADHD and executive functioning are connected, we can better support ourselves and others in navigating the ups and downs of everyday life. With patience, understanding, and a little support, ADHDers and others with executive functioning challenges can often tackle tasks or challenges that come their way.
