AD/HD and Executive Function

Sometimes, when a child (or adult) is diagnosed for Attention Deficit Disorder, the report will mention that the individual has Executive Function deficits. Or, more commonly, the parent notices that while their child is extremely bright (genius IQ in some instances), they still struggle with school and make poor grades. In many of these cases, Executive Function is to blame.

Deficits in Executive Function are sort of part of the package of AD/HD, not a seperate condition. In fact, deficits in Executive Function really make up what most people think of when they think of AD/HD.

Here’s a quick guide to what Executive Function does:

Manages short term and working memory

Puts information into long term memory

Retrieves information from long term memory

Processes information, including managing speed of processing

Directs and maintains attention

Screens out distractions

Gets back on task quickly after an interuption

Prioritizes information

Manages social behavior

This list alone ought to give you a great deal of insight as to why your child might be having the difficulties they do.

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