Executive dysfunction is a common struggle for people with ADHD, autism, and depression. It can affect a person’s ability to plan and think through their decisions. Executive function disorders affect people of all ages, and there are treatments available to combat some of these struggles. Let’s review some common signs of executive dysfunction along with solutions available to help you along the way.
What Does Executive Dysfunction Mean?
In order to understand what executive dysfunction means, you need to understand what executive functions are. Executive functioning controls how you approach daily tasks. Examples of executive functions include the following:
- The ability to multi-task
- Remembering important details or steps in a process
- Finding an effective solution to a problem
- Concentration and focus
- Analyzing and processing information
- Regulating emotions and impulse control
- Time management
Executive dysfunction is often the byproduct of a mental health struggle, cognitive disorder, or learning disability. The best way to address an executive function disorder is to determine what’s causing it at the root. The professionals here at CNLD Testing & Therapy can help you find answers to these questions and develop the tools to overcome them.
Signs of Executive Dysfunction in Children, Teens, and Adults
Executive dysfunction may look different as a person ages, especially if they have figured out coping mechanisms over time. Here are some examples of what executive dysfunction may look like:
- Children having trouble paying attention in school
- Adults struggling to stay on task at work or have a truly “productive” day
- Difficulty balancing tasks or finishing a task to completion
- Trouble regulating emotions or interacting with peers
- Having short-term memory issues or struggling to memorize facts, nursery rhymes, etc.
- Acting on impulse without a plan or understanding of potential consequences
- Not learning from past consequences of poor decisions
- Low self-esteem due to performance issues at work or school
- Avoiding difficult or time-consuming tasks
- Trouble forming or maintaining friendships and relationships
- A lack of motivation
If you’ve struggled in these areas or noticed your child struggle, it may be time for an executive dysfunction evaluation. This can give you a clear picture of what’s going on, how to correct it, and what accommodations you may need to pursue in the future.
Treatment and Therapy for Executive Dysfunction
CNLD Testing & Therapy offers psychological evaluation services for ADHD, depression, autism, executive dysfunction, and much more. Additionally, we provide executive function coaching and personalized treatment plans. If you need help getting special accommodations for your child at school, we provide educational advocacy services and independent education evaluations (IEEs). Our office is located at:
CNLD Testing & Therapy
5864 Interface Dr., Ste. D
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Contact us at (734) 994-9466 if you’d like more information about executive dysfunction testing and treatment.
