Executive Function Disorder

Executive function itself is a set of cognitive functions, that possess the ability to control other abilities and behavior of an individual. It refers to the ability to portray behavior that is directed towards a particular goal, to delay certain responses and reactions, to change behavior in accordance with a situation, and to plan for behavior in the future while dealing with new situations. Abstract thinking is also associated with executive function.

To be able to evaluate a situation and predict its outcome is a part of the executive functioning ability of an individual. While most of us perform all these activities almost instinctively, those with an executive function disorder (EFD) face trouble doing so.

They are unable to plan, organize, or portray goal-directed behavior, and they may lack reasoning skills. They are unable to perform activities that needs them to strategize and predict the outcome of a particular project. Here, we will examine the intricacies of this disorder.

All the aforementioned functions and abilities are essential for a person to perform daily activities. When these functions are affected, performing such activities become challenging for people who are affected by this disorder. Diagnosing an executive function disorder is difficult because it is associated with several other conditions.

These include autism, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), learning disabilities, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and Tourette's syndrome. 

EFD usually begins to show its first signs when a child enters upper elementary levels in school or later. Even if a child has shown remarkable academic abilities initially, as he/she grows, this disorder can become a part of their personality. The abilities that make up executive function have been described as follows:

• Managing emotions such as frustration
• Managing time, being alert, paying attention without getting distracted
• Preventing actions that can have negative consequences, including delaying behavior as a means of resistance

• Using memory, and recalling information when necessary, which also includes drawing past experiences for the purpose of future action
• Focusing attention to a particular task for prolonged periods
• Working with speed to complete activities on time, using the database of already possessed knowledge
• Ability to seek more information when required

Since these are the executive functions possessed by us, lack of them will exhibit themselves in the following symptoms in children and in adults.

• They experience remarkable difficulty in planning or beginning a new project.

• Even if they begin a work, they have difficulty in completing it within a stipulated time, and they also have trouble meeting deadlines.
• Outlining details in a sequential manner is difficult for them, and this reflects their disability to organize their thoughts and actions.

• They fail to create new ideas and concepts, since relying on present information itself appears challenging for them.
• When they are required to recall information, such as a phone number, they are unable to do it. Another instance is where a child forgets what he learned at the beginning of a chapter, by the time he reaches the end of it.

• Apart from this, people affected by this disorder are easily distracted. Their workspace is often disorganized and messy.
• Children and adults with this disorder are also known to engage in activities that provide adventure and thrill.

As aforementioned, diagnosing this disorder is slightly difficult, as its symptoms are similar to other conditions. There is no specific test to diagnosis this disorder, but the abilities associated with it may be tested for irregularities to come to a final consensus regarding the condition. There is no 'treatment' for executive function disorder, but those who are affected by it can definitely be helped with the use of certain techniques.

• Dividing large projects into smaller assignments can help them complete their task in an organized fashion.
• Giving them a planned procedure to complete tasks is another aid that can be used by them to function well. Also, adults with this disorder may be given a planner to schedule and organize their activities.

• Children will also require clear cut and outlined instructions, as they do not understand vague instructions. Moreover, visual representation of written information as a method of teaching will be helpful for children.

• Teaching them to remain organized and keep their workspace clutter-free is essential. Rewarding them for this behavior will help them remember to follow the instructions. Moreover, dividing a workspace for different activities will allow them to remain organized.

• Providing explicit feedback to such people is also necessary. What they are doing right or wrong needs to be clearly explained to them.
• Children and adults affected by EFD need to be seated in a place that is relatively free of distractions, so that they are easily able to complete their work.

As a child grows, her/his mind can be molded to suit the requirements and challenges that he/she may face in adulthood. However, for this, the disorder must be detected in childhood itself. If the methods of correcting the disabilities associated with this disorder are corrected at a younger age, they will definitely show a marked improvement in adulthood.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert advice.