ADHD is an Executive Function Problem, not an Attention one.

ADHD is not just about inattentiveness or hyperactivity; it's a condition that affects our executive functions, which are the complex and interconnected mental functions that help us get things done and move through the world, interacting with our environment, other beings and our inner thoughts and vision.

Beyond Studying and Attention

While ADHD is often associated with academic or work challenges that mean we can’t pay attention to repetitive or not interesting tasks, its impact extends into every area of our lives. From managing household chores to maintaining relationships, executive function plays a role in all of it.

This scene from ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ shows what happens when our Executive Functions are impacted by ADHD: we follow our interest, we take action that is based on what’s in front of us, not our bigger goals and then our emotional reaction when interrupted - it’s all very classic, isn’t it?

The Everywhere-ness of Executive Function

Executive functions are like the CEO of our brain. They're involved in planning, organizing, initiating tasks, and self-monitoring. When these functions are compromised, as they often are in individuals with ADHD, the effects can be felt in every life domain. These are in turn affected by our physical being - are we eating well, are we sleeping, are we managing stress (Hal isn’t)? And - you are right - all of these are affected by our Executive Functions.

Real-world Implications & Spotting the Elephant

The challenges in executive functioning can lead to difficulties in everything from completing daily tasks to managing complex projects at work. Understanding this can help us develop better coping strategies and treatment plans.

The difficulty every human has - every human - is that our Executive Functions are fast, automatic and coordinated - except they’re not when our brains are constructed with the differences that we group together and call ADHD.

We know that we 'should’ be able to manage the complex juggling act that other people our age seem to dance through - but time and time again, we don’t.

Our view of our effectiveness, our intelligence - and for some people, even our LOVE for them or commitment to our job - is called into question. It’s not about our WILL or DESIRE but about trying to squeeze two cars side by side through a tiny side street. There’s only so much that is going to be possible at any one time and one of those cars is going to have to wait its turn.

The elephant in the room we don’t talk about - especially if we look like we are thriving with ADHD - is that sometimes we need to structure our lives, our actions, our plans to work with our Executive Function strengths instead of continuing to exhaust and overwhelm ourselves, overcommit to prove that we can ‘totally do it, honest’ and then burn out and add another dollop of shame to our story.

One of the hallmarks of this is ADHD ‘paralysis’ - when our brains are so unable to sort out which thing to do or how to start, we are glued to our bed, sofa or even sitting in the car (ahem, me!) because the Executive Function that manages planning has quit.

If you head to my ‘Store’ page you will find resources (free and paid) that can support you find your way out of it, right now.

Useful resources and further reading:

• Dr Barkley talks about Executive Function - 3 minute video

• Dr Brown has a slightly different model - 40 minute lecture

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