ADHD & Executive Functioning
By Jeremey Bridges
Edmond Family Counseling
ADHD is a common diagnosis that affects millions of Americans. According to the CDC, 6 million children between the ages of 3-17 were diagnosed with ADHD between 2016-2019. Boys were 13% more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD. Black, non-Hispanic children and white non-Hispanic children were diagnosed with ADHD 12% more than Hispanic or Asian children. ADHD is often associated with simply not being able to sit still in a chair and the inability to pay attention. It can sometimes seem as if a child affected by ADHD is “driven by a motor” and is often active and on the go. ADHD is much more than the inability to pay attention and or sit still. ADHD affects what is known as our executive functioning.
Executive functioning is defined as our compacity for self-regulation that allow us to sustain action and problem solving toward a goal. There are many different areas of executive functioning. A few areas of executive functioning that ADHD affects include planning, organization, self-monitoring & control, working memory (both verbal and non-verbal) and adaptive thinking. There must be a prosthetic environment centered around the individual to help compensate for executive functioning shortcomings. There are ways that we can create a prosthetic environment to compensate for executive functioning shortfalls. One way is to externalize important information and deadlines through the use of signs, charts, to-do lists and cues. Those with ADHD benefit immensely from writing things down and putting them in plain view where they can see it and not forget it. They must be very intentional about this because sometimes these things can drown out into the background. Another technique that can work is externalizing time through the use of calendars, clocks, alarms, counters or reminders. Due to ADHD affecting working memory, the patient will benefit immensely from externalizing time and using things such as calendars and alarms as reminders. Another way to compensate for executive functioning challenges is to break down large tasks into smaller ones. It’s difficult for someone with ADHD to be able to sit for hours and complete a task. They benefit much more from setting aside blocks of time to complete tasks.
Executive functioning works similar to a “fuel tank”. It can be used throughout the day until it finally runs out. Just like a fuel tank, it can also be replenished. Some ways we can replenish our executive functioning fuel tank is to take five-to-ten-minute breaks between tasks (ex: the pomodoro technique). Positive reinforcement in the form of rewarding ourselves when we complete a task also helps to refuel our fuel tank. Routine physical exercise has also shown to be beneficial when refueling our executive functioning tank. Externalizing mental problem solving is another way to slow down the executive functioning fuel tank from being depleted. Steve Jobs was famous for wearing the same thing every day so he can save his mental energy for more important tasks. Artificial consequences help with accountability (i.e., using a point system). Positive affirmations of encouragement and self-efficacy keep our motivation up. Three minutes of meditation, breathing or any other relaxation technique such as progressive muscle relaxation can help to recharge us.
Creating a prosthetic environment along with the combination of behavioral therapy and the appropriate medication has shown to be very effective in treating ADHD. ADHD can be thought of as the “diabetes” of psychological disorders. It is something that must be managed every day and is very treatable. An ADHD diagnosis cannot be ruled out confirmed or denied until trauma is first confirmed, ruled out or denied. Both trauma and ADHD manifest in very similar ways so an accurate diagnosis can’t be made until the patient is assessed for both. About 6 in 10 children have comorbid diagnosis which mean they are diagnosed with another emotional, behavioral or mental disorder along with ADHD. Some of the more common comorbid diagnosis include autism spectrum disorder, Tourette syndrome and depression.
Many easily attainable and affordable services are offered for those who live with ADHD. About 3 in 4 children in the US with ADHD receive treatment for it. If you suspect that yourself, or a loved one may be affected by ADHD, please consider consulting a trained professional who can properly diagnose and treat ADHD.
Jeremey Bridges is an intern therapist at Edmond Family Counseling. He has completed his B.S in behavioral science and is currently working to complete his Master of Science in counseling psychology with a clinical emphasis at Mid-America Christian University. Edmond Family Counseling is a non-profit organization. We may be reached at 405-341-3554 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed professional counselors. Donations may be made to Edmond Family Counseling, 1251 N. Broadway, Edmond, OK 73034, or online @ www.edmondfamily.org by clicking the YELLOW DONATE button. Follow us on our Facebook Page @ Edmond Family Counseling for additional information regarding mental health awareness.
