Executive functions are a set of "cognitive processes". Sometimes they are called cognitive control or supervisory attentional system. Sometimes they are called thinking.

 

They sound pretty important right? In fact, they are very important and have everything to do with whether we are successful with our responsibilities, goals, and dreams.

 

Understanding executive function and the way that an ADHD brain uses executive function differently than the average brain is important to our success and happiness. 

 

Executive functions are used for:

 

• attentional control - what will I give my attention to and when?

• inhibitory control - the ability to make choices about whether what I want to do is a good idea or not. 

• working memory - necessary for comprehension, learning and reasoning

• cognitive flexibility - the ability to shift from idea to idea, task to task, or old belief to new belief.

• reasoning - comparing ideas and forming opinions.

• problem solving - forming solutions.

• planning - choosing solutions and putting steps in order to accomplish the solution.

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These are basically how we control our behavior and how we show up in life to apply ourselves to our responsibilities, goals, and dreams.

 

 

Dr. Flaton and the team at Flaton ADDept Center are ready to help you understand and fine tune your use of executive functions.