Having Problems With Executive Functions?
Written by: Anna Pasternak / Adult ADHD Coaching / June 30, 2021 / 8 minutes read
Sometimes I have clients come to me and start talking about how they are having a difficult time staying focused when in conversations, or when becoming emotional, having a difficult time self-regulating and controlling their own emotions. Functions such as focus, attention, and control over ones emotions are cognitive skills referred to as executive functions. Other executive function skills include attention, memory, and self-control. Executive functions help us manage and organize daily tasks.
Think about executive functions as the conductor of an orchestra. The conductor controls the orchestra and times everything so that it all work together. The conductor controls how loud each person should go, when they should stop, and when certain instruments should play together. The conductor allows for the musicians to work together to create smooth transition’s and music that is enjoyable.
Many clients coming to well said who have Attention Deficient Hyperactive disorder ( ADHD) or Traumatic Brain Injuries ( TBI) may experience difficulties with executive functions. Though here I will be focusing on adults with ADHD. Adults with ADHD who have difficulties with executive functioning may experience problems with timeline and remembering scheduled events, planning out steps to achieve goals, organization may be impacted as making schedules is difficult, more difficulty with controlling emotions and self-regulating, paying attention and maintaining focus on something, and processing information can feel more difficult.
Executive functions can be divided into 5 basic areas:
Attention control: This involves focus and attention on a specific task ( such as listening to someone speaking, or concentrating on one task ( sustained attention) or two tasks (divided attention).
Cognitive flexibility: this allows you to think about different things at the same time and allows you to switch from doing one thing to another.
Cognitive inhibition: This allows us to focus on the relevant and tune out the irrelevant information.
Inhibitory control: This allows us to control our impulses so that we act appropriately in various social situations.
Working memory: This allows us keep in our memory facts that have been given to us when solving a problem, and be able to use these memories or/thoughts when needed.
Adults with ADHD who have difficulties with executive functioning may experience problems with timeline and remembering scheduled events.
Areas you can work on with an SLP if you are having executive functioning difficulties include:
Working on staying on topic, if you feel you go off on a tangent often and it takes a while to get to the point. You might do some conversational practice with an SLP working on saying what is most relevant to the topic first, and working on paraphrasing what you hear in the least amount of words.
If having difficulties with listening skills and staying focused during conversations, we might work on active listening skills to allow you to really pay attention to each detail the person is saying instead of thinking how you are going to reply. Working on turn-taking can also help those who feel they dominate in conversations.
If you feel you often take over and only talk about what you are interested in this may cause your communication partner to not be satisfied with the conversation, if they are not able to engage what they are interested in. It is imported to recognize what the other is interested in, this could be accomplished by practicing asking more questions and turn-taking in conversation.
If you find you are responding to quickly without thinking, your goal may be to work on giving more thought out replies. This can be accomplished by making sure you are paying attention to the conversation, and thinking before speaking.
If you find you are often interrupting people and not giving your conversation partner or partners a fair opportunity to speak. We may work on ways of knowing when the person is finished talking, so that you can avoid interrupting them. This can be accomplished by making sure you are observing their non-verbal communication such as their facial expressions and their mouth movements. Are they still opening their mouth? Most likely they have not finished yet. It is always good to wait for a pause in conversation when you feel you want to jump in. Are you having difficulties remembering what is being said so you feel like you have to get it out right when you think it? Though your intention may be good, the other may feel disrespected if consistently interrupted. Trying righting down some of the main points you hear, so that you don’t feel like you will forget it if you don’t say it right away.
These are just some tips to start thinking about some ways we can help with the difficulties you may be experiencing. The SLP’s at well said are trained to work with you based on your individual needs and offer you more guidance. Book your appointment online with one of our SLPs if you are looking for help in any of these areas.
For some additional related reading check out some of our past blogs:
https://www.torontospeechtherapy.com/blog/adult-adhd-and-relationships
https://www.torontospeechtherapy.com/blog/top-10-ways-to-improve-your-communication
https://www.torontospeechtherapy.com/blog/2020/active-listening
Check out our communication wellness course for additional support in areas such as reading non-verbal communication and active listening:
To speak with one of the speech-language pathologists at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy, schedule an initial consultation by clicking the link below or calling (647) 795-5277.
