Executive Functions
2. Decoding Executive Function Difficulties
Executive functions are like the air traffic controllers of your brain. They help you manage your thoughts, emotions, and actions. With ADHD, these controllers might be a little... distracted. This can manifest in a few different ways:
Time Management: Ever underestimated how long something would take and then completely blown past the deadline? Yeah, that's time management woes. Folks with ADHD often struggle with accurately perceiving time, making it difficult to plan and stick to schedules. It's not that you don't want to be on time, it's just that time seems to slip away like sand through your fingers.
Focus and Attention: This is perhaps the most well-known symptom of ADHD. It's not necessarily an inability to focus, but rather an inconsistent ability to focus. You might be able to hyperfocus on things you find interesting, but struggle to pay attention to tasks that are boring or repetitive. This can lead to procrastination and unfinished projects.
Organization and Planning: Keeping track of details, prioritizing tasks, and staying organized can feel like climbing Mount Everest. Even seemingly simple tasks, like keeping your desk tidy or managing your to-do list, can become overwhelming. This disorganization can contribute to the feeling of being "slow" because you're constantly searching for things or trying to remember what you're supposed to be doing.
Working Memory: Holding information in your mind while you're working on a task can be a real challenge. It's like trying to juggle five balls at once — eventually, something's going to drop. This can make it difficult to follow multi-step instructions, solve problems, or even remember what you were just about to say.
