How ADHD and Executive Function Disorder Overlap

When you or your learner needs ADHD help, it’s crucial to understand how and why certain challenges manifest. Why is it so easy to lose track of time? Why do you feel overwhelmed when faced with competing priorities? The more you know about specific symptoms and difficulties, the easier it is to approach solutions without self-blame or embarrassment.

One important detail to understand is that ADHD is an executive function disorder. But what does that mean—and what is executive function, anyway?

Every second of every day, our brain is teeming with information, tasks to do, and new stimuli. Executive function describes the mental processes that manage all of this input, allowing us to focus, multi-task, and stay organized. It’s also vital for impulse control and self-regulation.

When executive function breaks down—or is impaired to begin with—it’s typically described as an executive function disorder. One example of such a disorder is ADHD, although there are other types and causes, like anxiety or dementia.

Let’s explore how executive functioning affects ADHD, and how it can play a role in finding the right type of ADHD/ADD help.

How Executive Functioning Skills Impact ADHD Help  

Understanding Executive Function and ADHD

With an executive function disorder like ADHD, abilities that require planning, organization, and impulse control can all be especially challenging. These challenges may include:

• Task activation and focus.
  Starting new tasks and staying focused on them requires controlling attention, which can be incredibly difficult with impaired executive function.
  
• Regulating emotions.
  Poor executive function makes it difficult to manage thoughts and stimuli, and that makes it harder to manage emotions effectively, too. 

• Time management.
  Prioritizing tasks, allocating time for them, and completing them effectively can be especially tough without the organizational skills connected to executive function.

ADHD symptoms present differently for different individuals, which is why it’s important to understand which of these (and other) challenges you’re dealing with. From there, it can be easier to find the right ADHD/ADD help for you or your learner.  

Finding Effective Strategies for ADHD/ADD Help

Discovering the right ADD/ADHD help can be a trial-and-error process. That’s because strategies that work for others may not work for you or your learner. That’s okay! With time, you’ll find what’s effective and what’s not.

Here are a few potential strategies to consider exploring:

• Environmental changes.
  Executive dysfunction makes it harder to filter out distractions. Environmental changes—finding a place to work that’s quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free—can be useful for tasks that require deeper focus.
  
• Visual aids.
  For those who struggle to self-motivate or self-regulate, visual aids can provide external support. Journals can be a great way to track to-do items or emotional states, while timers can provide a distinctive cue when needed. 

• One-on-one support.
  When specific areas have been identified as challenges, one-on-one ADD help can make all the difference. For example, brain training can help students work on studying, reading, math, and more!

One-on-One ADD & ADHD Help with Brain Training

At LearningRx, we offer one-on-one ADHD help for all ages. Our brain trainers customize every program with a specific learner in mind, to ensure students can work on those specific skills where they struggle most.

We take a strength-based approach when it comes to neurodiversity, emphasizing every learner’s strengths and abilities while helping them tackle new challenges.

Through drills and exercises, students can work on targeting specific cognitive skills like focus or working memory. When it comes to studying or homework help, they’ll also have the chance to pick up specific strategies for organization, goal setting, time management, and more. We’re committed to helping every learner uncover their unique potential!

Learn more about how brain training offers dedicated ADHD/ADD help. Find your local LearningRx today, or contact us at 866-BRAIN-01!