Condition : Executive functioning difficulties

Executive functions are abilities that are automatic in most people, so we often take them for granted, using them in everything we do without even realising.

Difficulties with executive function are also known as ‘executive dysfunction’ or ‘executive function disorder’, although they aren’t diagnosable medical disorders. Executive functioning difficulties are a symptom of a problem.

Examples of executive functioning difficulties include:

• decision making (for example, what to wear)
• being impulsive (making decisions without thinking them through, such as wearing shorts when the weather is cold)
• planning and organising a task (for example, making a cup of tea)
• problem solving (working out what to do when something goes wrong, like spilling your cup of tea)
• time management (predicting how long something will take, scheduling tasks appropriately, and not losing track of time)
• multi-tasking (doing laundry while keeping an eye on food that is cooking
• starting or switching tasks without being prompted
• keeping up motivation to complete a task
• paying or maintaining attention (not getting distracted)

People with executive functioning difficulties may appear distracted, messy, clumsy, and unreliable. They may also get easily upset, frustrated, or panicky, or be stubborn, sticking to plans even if they’re not working.

If your child struggles with executive functions at school, they might:

• seem lazy as they find it hard to start or finish tasks
• bring the wrong books to school
• find group work very challenging
• get caught up in details that aren’t important
• have trouble finishing tests or tasks on time
• find it difficult to wait their turn

Executive functions are mental skills controlled by the frontal lobes of the brain, so damage in that area or connected areas can lead to difficulties in everyday life.

The damage may be:

• temporary (due to illness or factors like stress, fatigue, or substance misuse)
• a symptom of a mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia
• a symptom of a neurodevelopmental condition like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism
• a symptom of a specific learning difficulty (SpLD), such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia
• caused by a neurological condition that comes on suddenly, such as a head injury, stroke, meningitis, or hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
• caused by natural age-related changes in the brain or a condition related to ageing (for example, dementia)

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