05 Jun š A Beginner’s Guide to Executive Functioning Disorder š
A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Executive Functioning Disorder
Aside from being a complex organ, the brain is also one of the most fascinating parts of the human body. Scientists and researchers have spent decades upon decades trying to solve the mysteries in our brain, but most questions about how the brain works and does what it does remain unanswered.
Today, however, we know more about the anatomical regions of the brain than we did back in the 90s. This is partly due to a presidential declaration signed by President George H.W. Bush that designates the 90s as the Decade of the Brain. The collective effort involved the Library of Congress and the National Institute of Mental Health. It aimed to improve public awareness of the benefits of brain research. The years spent on research, publicity, and popularization of the brain dynamics led to significant discoveries, including answers to questions pertaining to erratic behaviors that manifest in early childhood and later on in adulthood. One is executive functioning disorder (EFD), also known as executive dysfunction.
What is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning is an umbrella term used to describe cognitive processes, including planning, working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. These processes are necessary in determining an individualās success in school, at work, and in managing daily life and responsibilities.
Executive functioning was first defined in the 1970s and was further explored by a 1972 experiment meant to study delayed gratification. It was led by Stanford University professor Walter Mischel. In this study, more commonly known as the Stanford marshmallow experiment, a child was given a choice between two rewards (a marshmallow or a pretzel stick) and two ways to obtain them. The child could either pick a prize and get it instantly or wait for a few minutes and be rewarded with both treats.
Follow-up studies revealed that children who managed to wait longer for their preferred treats enjoyed better life outcomes. These results were measured by looking at SAT scores, educational attainment, body mass index, and other life measures. So what led those children who were able to wait for better rewards to make that choice?
Some experts credit this to executive functioningāthe skills involved in setting goals, planning, and getting things done. Executive functioning is the brain’s management system that gives signals to perform tasks at home, school, work, and in daily life.
Executive functioning, which is controlled by the frontal lobe of the brain, determines how well an individual can perform the following:
- Time managementĀ
- Sustaining attentionĀ
- DiversionĀ
- PlanningĀ
- OrganizingĀ
- Working memory (remembering details)Ā
- Experienced-based actionsĀ
- Multitasking
- Controlling impulsesĀ
When an individualās behavior is less controlled, it could mean that oneās executive functioning is not working as it is supposed to. This is known as executive function disorder. While executive functioning disorder is not a recognized diagnosis, it is one of the main factors associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, studies link executive functioning disorder to several factors.
Executive functioning disorder can affect:
- Staying organized at work
- Performing well at school
- Doing tasks independently
- Maintaining relationshipsĀ
- Planning activities
- Executing tasks
What Are the Signs of Executive Functioning Disorder?
Executive functioning disorder or executive dysfunction is often associated with ADHD. In this brain-based condition, the prefrontal cortex is less developed than oneās peers. According to research, the human brain takes at least 25 years to develop fully, and the prefrontal cortex is the last part of the brain to reach maturity.
The prefrontal cortex is responsible for:
- Regulating emotions
- Controlling impulsive behaviorsĀ
- Assessing risksĀ
- Making long term plansĀ
An underdeveloped prefrontal cortex is a condition one is born with, but the symptoms become more pronounced as the individual ages. When the environmental demands exceed oneās cognitive capacity, executive functioning skills become taxing. With age, the symptoms (lack of skills)Ā become more prominent. These include:
- Trouble focusing or paying attention
- Difficulty with adjusting when routine changes
- Struggles with time management and time blindness (unable to plan for future events, remember timelines and past events)
- Trouble putting together steps or actions to achieve long-term goals
- Difficulty with controlling emotions and impulses
- Struggles with processing or analyzing information
- Problem with staying organized and staying on-task
What Causes Executive Functioning Disorder?
The exact causes of executive functioning disorder are not entirely known. However, two factors are known to affect one’s brain development significantly. These are:
1. Slower brain development
2. Genetics, especially in connection with ADHD
Other factors that can affect oneās executive functioning include:
- Damage to the prefrontal cortex (from injuries, trauma, or disease)
- Exposure to certain substances during conception
- Severe neglect
- Stroke
- Other conditions, such as AlzheimerāsĀ
How Do You Address Executive Functioning Disorder?
There is no diagnosis for issues with executive functioning, which can lead the symptoms to go unnoticed or be confused with similar conditions. If you suspect that you or your child may be coping with executive functioning disorder, taking a neuropsychological evaluation will allow you to gain insight into your executive functioning skills.
Some of the best-known treatments to address executive functioning difficulties are:Ā
- Behavior therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps to avoid and replace negative behaviors with more positive ones. CBT helps kids deal with their thoughts, emotions, and feelings. It gives them a chance to manage their behavior in social circles.Ā
- Medication. The prescribed medications for ADHD are usable with proper care. But there are no formal medications for executive function disorder.Ā
- Executive Functioning Coaching: Also known as organizational coaching, EF coaching helps the child or adult maintain focus with different tasks, learn to use time efficiently, focus, etc. It enables the individual to understand their ability to manage the daily tasks, such as keeping a desk clutter-free or tidying up a closet. Organizational coaching also helps one prepare, remain calm, and focus when facing specific challenges in life.Ā
- Token Reward Systems: It is a behavioral system that offers tokens as rewards based on the individual’s behavior. Rewards are considered for positive learning. It is one of the effective environmental approaches.Ā
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Read more blog posts:
- What are the Executive Functioning Skills?
- How Can Mindfulness Improve Executive Function Skills?
- How Does Procrastination Relate to Executive Function?
Handouts:
- What is Executive Functioning?
- 4 Types of Attentional Focus
- Strategic Observation And Reflection (SOAR)
- 13 Executive Function Skills for Academic Success
- Working Memory Strategies
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ā©āA Beginner’s Guide to Executive Functioning DisorderāŖ
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Craig Selinger
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