Executive Functions (EF) are mental processes that help to connect past experience with present action to guide goal-directed behaviour. These functions underlie activities such as planning, organizing, strategizing, paying attention to and remembering details, and managing time and space. We all have strengths and weaknesses in our executive functions; however, individuals with ADHD may experience increased difficulty in the development and use of these functions compared to same-aged peers without ADHD. When children struggle in these areas, it can result in behaviours that are often labelled as “attention seeking”, “defiant”, “showing off”, “unmotivated” or “lazy”, “emotional overreactions”, and “inflexible”, just to name a few.
Teaching and parenting children with executive functioning issues can be challenging, and understanding the how and why of EF deficits can significantly impact behaviour, learning, and what we can do to maximize the success of these children.
Presenter: Tanya Keto