 | ||||
|
| What are Executive Functions? Executive functions are the mental process that enable us to plan ahead, evaluate the past, start and finish a task and manage our time. They can affect what we do in the present and also how we plan and organize for the future. These skills affect our ability to access and juggle many thinking skills at the same time. Executive Functioning skills may also affect our social skills and how we interact with others. They help us to control our emotions, identify and find solutions for a problem, monitor and stop our actions, evaluate our thoughts and talk to ourselves. Even if we are not conscious of it, we talk to ourselves throughout the day, giving ourselves advice that guides our actions. Executive functions have been described as the conductor, manager or 'boss' of the brain. This function of the brain organizes and tells the different functions of the brain what to do, when to do them and how to work together. During school, problems with executive functioning (EF) can affect students in almost all their subjects and related tasks. However problems with EF often end up being the 'hidden learning disability' that is not readily diagnosed. When a student has a learning disability in math, often they will be able to function well in other subjects. When the discrepancy in the level of competency in different areas becomes obvious to the parents and teachers, it normally triggers some type of assessment and diagnosis. However, when there is a problem with executive functioning the student will most likely present with similar problems across all subjects. These may present as problems with, starting work, staying focused on work, completing work, and remembering to do work. Active working memory may also be affected. This type of memory is used when we need to hold and use several things from our memory, at the same time. It is similar to a computer having several files open at once and having the operator constantly using the information in the files and flipping from one file to another. Working memory also helps us to stay attentive and resist distractions. In addition, it is also used while making decisions throughout the day. Working memory is a vital executive function that is required for writing, reading comprehension, complex math problems, problem solving, following directions, monitoring progress and evaluating strengths and needs. When children present with these problems they are often labeled as lazy, unmotivated, undisciplined, not very bright or simply not trying hard enough. For more information on this area access www.teachadhd.ca As we grow older, executive functions are required to a greater degree. Children with ADHD often have parents who help to compensate for their lack of executive functioning skills. Dr. Ross Greene, author of 'The Explosive Child', refers to parents needing to be the 'surrogate frontal lobe' for their children. What he is referring to is the need for parents of ADHD children to take over tasks of organization, planning, remembering, and being the executive manager of their child's life. Adults often do not have the luxury of having someone to be their surrogate frontal lobe. They need to juggle many roles at one time, work and take care of all those household details like paying bills, shopping, correspondence, paperwork, money management etc. Many adults with ADHD have spouses that complain of having an extra child to look after rather than another adult to help out, adding a great deal of stress to family life. The good news is that once diagnosed, ADHD can be treated and many of its symptoms if not alleviated, can be diminished to a level where strategies and classroom accommodations can help tremendously. Many people with ADHD go on to lead happy, productive lives in careers they find stimulating and rewarding. The key seems to be the ability to access a proper thorough assessment; resource facilities where parents can learn about their child and ADHD; educators and medical professionals who are trained in ADHD; and a variety of treatment choices. Unfortunately, at this time doing so is still a considerable struggle for many Canadians with ADHD. |