Embedded Files
We're working on the website and adding content regularly! Check back for updates throughout 2025!
Executive Dysfunctioning
Executive function is an important cognitive ability which involves the ability to plan, modify, and execute actions toward a goal. Everyone has some level of executive functioning. However, when a person has significant difficulties with planning, executing a goal, or taking steps toward a goal, this is called executive dysfunction (Kikrpatrick, 2025).
How Does Executive Dysfunction Affect People?
Let's start with an example: baking. Most people have at least a vague idea of how to make chocolate chip cookies. Eggs, sugar, oil, flour, some other stuff, mix it up, bake at the temperature the recipe says, eat.
Let's do another example: Gateau Saint Honoré.
Ingredients: 70g sugar, 35g cornstarch, 3 egg yolks, 250ml milk, 1/2 vanilla pod, 30ml butter, 225g puff pastry, 1 recipe for choux pastry, 250ml 35% cream, 30ml hereng sugar, 105g sugar, 30ml corn syrup, 30ml water.
You have 2 hours to make the recipe.
You probably notice there is something missing: Directions. When you got to the end of the incredients list you may have been expecting a set of directions for where to start, but I intentionally did not give them to you. When you read over the recipe you may have felt a bit nervous about it, maybe you are not sure what some of the ingredients are, where to find them, or if they are even available. Maybe you didn't even know how to pronounce the recipe.
This is a brief example of what life is like for someone with executive dysfunction. It's like having a recipe to bake something with all the ingredients, but without directions.
What is ADHD?
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which impacts the frontal lobe of the brain. which controls executive functioning. In individuals who have ADHD, the frontal lobe and their executive functioning abilities are impaired, which leads to the symptoms of ADHD. Common symptoms include:
Forgetfulness
Disorganization
Making careless mistakes
Missing details of important topics
Underachieving in school or work
Social issues, such as friendships or romantic relationships
Appearing 'scatterbrained'
Frequently losing or misplacing items such as keys, wallet, or phone
Procrastination
Time management issues, often late
This information is based on available clinical and scientific research about ADHD. There is a lot of information about ADHD online, and it is more important than ever to use trust resources when learning about ADHD.
Executive (Dys)function
Executive (Dys)function
Executive function is an important cognitive ability which involves the ability to plan, modify, and execute actions toward a goal. Everyone has some level of executive functioning. However, when a person has significant difficulties with planning, executing a goal, or taking steps toward a goal, this is called executive dysfunction (Kirkpatrick, 2025).
How Does Executive Dysfunction Affect People?
Let's start with an example: baking. Most people have at least a vague idea of how to make chocolate chip cookies. Eggs, sugar, oil, flour, some other stuff, mix it up, bake at the temperature the recipe says, eat.
Let's do another example: Gateau Saint Honoré.
Ingredients: 70g sugar, 35g cornstarch, 3 egg yolks, 250ml milk, 1/2 vanilla pod, 30ml butter, 225g puff pastry, 1 recipe for choux pastry, 250ml 35% cream, 30ml hereng sugar, 105g sugar, 30ml corn syrup, 30ml water.
You have 2 hours to make the recipe.
You probably notice there is something missing: Directions. When you got to the end of the incredients list you may have been expecting a set of directions for where to start, but I intentionally did not give them to you. When you read over the recipe you may have felt a bit nervous about it, maybe you are not sure what some of the ingredients are, where to find them, or if they are even available. Maybe you didn't even know how to pronounce the recipe.
This is a brief example of what life is like for someone with executive dysfunction. It's like having a recipe to bake something with all the ingredients, but without directions.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse