What is Executive Function?
Executive function refers to an important set of cognitive abilities that originate in the human prefrontal cortex. These skills are fundamental to managing various aspects of our daily lives. They encompass time management, planning, task initiation and completion, and emotional regulation — essentially orchestrating our day-to-day activities. Executive function plays a pivotal role in:
– how we organize and prioritise tasks
– remember important dates and events
– make judicious decisions about what to do and when.
It’s the underlying mechanism that guides us in plotting our schedules, both in our professional and personal lives. This cognitive process is integral in helping us manage the flow of our day, ensuring that we not only remember our appointments but also effectively allocate our time and resources to meet our goals and responsibilities.
Planning, organising and managing our time are pretty self-explanatory, but you might not have known that your proficiency managing and regulating your emotions relates to your executive functioning. Self-regulation isn’t a term used a lot – it relates to being able to understand and interpret your own emotions and manage your behaviour when you’re feeling certain things. It’s something a lot of us learn in childhood; the different ways to manage strong, intense feelings. For example if you’re sad, it’s OK to talk about it and cry, and if you’re angry, it’s ok to take a walk or do something to help you calm down. We make several decisions throughout the day and also experience several feelings, which can have an impact on each other and then subsequent decisions and choices we make.
What is the relationship between Neurodiverse people and Executive Function?
You might have read this so far and thought one of two things. One of them might be “but I don’t know why you’re telling me this Abby, it’s pretty obvious this is what happens and I don’t even need to think about it, I never have issues managing how I feel or what I do” or you might be in another camp thinking “hang on – this is a thing? This is a thing I should be able to do? Why can’t I do this?!” For neurodivergent (hereafter referred to as “ND”) people – that’s those of us who are autistic and/or have ADHD or any other ND condition – these executive function skills do NOT come easily. ND individuals often experience difficulties with executive functioning due to differences in brain development and functioning. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and others, each of which can affect executive functions in unique ways. Here are some key reasons why ND people might have difficulty with executive functioning:
Differences in Brain Wiring: ND individuals have brains that are wired differently from neurotypical individuals. These differences can impact the neural pathways involved in executive functioning, particularly those in the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for tasks like planning, decision-making, and impulse control.
Information Processing Challenges: Many ND individuals process information differently. For instance, people with ADHD might find it hard to filter out distractions and maintain focus, while those on the autism spectrum might have trouble shifting attention from one task to another. These processing differences can make it challenging to manage and organize tasks or control impulses effectively.
Regulating Emotions: Emotional regulation, a key aspect of executive function, can be particularly challenging. ND individuals might experience heightened emotional responses or have difficulty moderating their emotions, which can interfere with their ability to stay focused and organized.
Working Memory Limitations: Working memory is critical for holding information in mind and manipulating it, which is essential for tasks like problem-solving and following multi-step instructions. Some individuals have working memory limitations, making these tasks more challenging.
Time Management Issues: Understanding and managing the passage of time is a common difficulty. ND people might struggle with estimating how long a task will take, leading to challenges in planning and time management.
Rigid Thinking Patterns: Some individuals, especially those who are autistic, may exhibit rigid thinking patterns. This can make it hard to adjust plans, switch between tasks, or handle unexpected changes, which are all executive function skills.
Now these reasons aren’t going to apply to every ND person, and also executive function difficulties aren’t limited to ND people either, but it definitely appears to affect this population more. And taking into consideration the above, it’s important when planning interventions to take into account your neurotype. Just because one form of task management or time management hasn’t worked doesn’t mean that there’s no hope – it’s finding the way that’s going to work best for you and your brain.
Common Misconceptions and Advice
While well-intentioned, common suggestions like using a planner or making lists may not always be effective for everyone, particularly for ND individuals. We often face unique challenges with executive functioning, which can make the seemingly straightforward tasks of planning and list-making more complex. For example, someone with ADHD might struggle with consistently using a planner due to difficulties with attention and habit formation. Similarly, an autistic individual might find it overwhelming to prioritise tasks in a list, as they may experience rigid thinking patterns or struggle with processing a sequence of abstract steps. Additionally, these tools require a level of cognitive organisation and time management skills that can be challenging for those with executive function difficulties. Therefore, while planners and lists are helpful tools, they might not address the underlying cognitive processes that ND people struggle with, necessitating more personalised and flexible strategies.
Struggling with these things isn’t a personal failure and not something you should ever beat yourself up about. Sometimes it’s hard to accept and acknowledge there are areas we struggle with that seem to come easily to others but then there are probably areas you excel in that others struggle with. The point is – you are you, and it’s about acknowledging where support is needed and being kind to yourself whilst you seek that support.
Considerations to take for Strategizing
Effectively managing executive function difficulties often requires a personalised approach, underpinned by self-awareness, experimentation, and adaptability. It’s important for individuals, especially those who are ND, to develop a keen understanding of their own unique strengths and challenges. This self-awareness allows for tailored strategies that specifically cater to their needs. Experimentation plays a key role, as it involves trying out various techniques — such as breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, using visual aids, or setting frequent reminders — to discover what works best. Adaptability is equally important, as it involves being open to adjusting strategies as needs and circumstances change. For instance, a method that works well during a particularly stressful period may not be as effective under different conditions. Embracing a flexible, person-centered approach not only helps in managing executive function challenges but also fosters a sense of empowerment and resilience in facing daily tasks.
To Conclude:
In summing up our exploration of executive function, it’s vital to recognise that while traditional methods like using planners or making lists offer some benefits, they may not be universally effective, especially for ND individuals. The intricacies of executive function, particularly within the ND community, call for a more nuanced approach. Recognising the distinct challenges faced by ND individuals – from differences in brain wiring to unique information processing and emotional regulation needs – is key in understanding why standard strategies may fall short. However, this recognition is not a cause for dismay but rather an opportunity for empowerment and growth.
The journey to effectively managing executive function difficulties is deeply personal, requiring a blend of self-awareness, continuous experimentation, and adaptability. By acknowledging individual strengths and challenges, and being open to various techniques, one can discover strategies that resonate best with their unique cognitive profile. Whether it’s customising task management methods, employing visual aids, or adapting to changing circumstances, the goal is to find what truly works for the individual.
Ultimately, this journey isn’t about conforming to a standard but about embracing and celebrating the uniqueness of one’s cognitive processes. In doing so, we foster resilience, build self-confidence, and carve a path toward a more organized and fulfilling life. By shifting our focus from a one-size-fits-all solution to personalized strategies, we not only accommodate but also embrace the diversity of human cognition, paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding society.