Who to see about executive function disorder

I don't have diagnosis for adhd honestly couldn't afford it and my cmht didn't want me to get adhd test. I did 1 asd test failed but im on waiting list again for asd. Anyway my point is i 100% have executive function disorder had it since I was a child and it's gotten worse over the years. I barely wash myself, clean my room, do hobbies/interests, learn new things, exercise i struggle and people see me as not trying or extremely lazy but im not. Hard to explain like I know I need to do these things but I don't. Who do I seek to get diagnosis fir this or adhd/asd/edd if cmht won't help well im discharged now from them so they definitely won't help me.

  • i 100% have executive function disorder

    There is a good article on techniques for you to self-help with here: https://theabilitytoolbox.com/executive-dysfunction-coping-skills-self-help-guide/

    I do see the irony that the disorder may stop you from being able to helo yourself so I would advise getting someone you trust to help you get setup in some of these techniques and encourage you along the way. Once you break the inertia then there is more chance of being able to continue with it.

    Good luck

  • I would agree with  that you would need to take your results from free online ASD and ADHD tests to your GP, and if you have met the test threshold, you should be referred for assessment at an ASD/ADHD clinic.

    If executive function difficulties are picked up during ASD/ADHD assessment, ideally you would be referred to any number of organisations or professional people for help in dealing with executive functioning difficulties that play havoc with your daily life. However, support availability is dependent on your area. Nonetheless, your GP may still be able to make a direct referral to an occupational health clinic or social worker. Occupational Therapists can help you develop strategies to mitigate your difficulties. 

    There is no easy solution, whether or not you have an ASD diagnosis or not, so as Iain says, do your research online to develop strategies.  These may include planning your week with a breakdown of tasks in easily manageable bite size chunks. Buy a large size diary with built in time slots with space to write each task such as shower, clean teeth, vacuum and periods of relaxation such as walks, reading, sleep. Allow a certain amount of time for each task. For instance, you might give yourself 15 minutes to vacuum, 4 minutes to floss and clean teeth. If you don’t feel like doing something, tell yourself that you can do it for 5 minutes and then stop. Often that tricks the brain into wanting to carry on until the task is finished. If you can begin with small things and establish a routine over several weeks, it is more likely to stick. 

    Good luck with your next steps.

  • Yup nhs not got e pugh budgets to help us mental health patients sadly theyre struggling 

  • Yes done asd tests and adhd high on both 

  • Not sure what's wrong with me but i have executive function disorder, sensory processing issues these are my biggest hurdles I get meltdowns now and then sone big  along with crippling anxiety, panic and the worst of all agoraphobia it sucks cause I got no support now period. I failed first asd test because I coukd communicate with them and gave to speech issues echolalia and I wasn't very detailed with questions they asked honestly I didn't understand them.

  • There isn't a specific executive function disorder as a standalone thing. It is a consequence of other things.

    You solution is to try to find ways to work around it. For things like bills you set up direct debits, so you don't need to spend energy on them. Basically reduce demands on your time that take energy. The more things you can get rid of, the more capacity you have for things that matter.

    Make lists in advance so you know what to do. I make a mental note of anything important the night before, else I really struggle to do it. I will find reasons to put it off. But if I decided before I go to sleep, then it will be a priority for the next day. Make sure lists are short, longer than 5-7 things and it is unmanageable and you are less likely to do any. Note achievements so you can review your progress a feel like you are achieving things.

    Try to make some things a routine, e.g. always get washed straight after breakfast. This means sticking to it almost everyday. Then it becomes easy. Take them one at a time and add a new one each week or two.

    Try to sleep, if you are not tired everything is easier.

    You are on the waiting list for ASD again. Note that a diagnosis will not give the solutions. You can work on them now by reading what other people do, watching YouTubers, and trying things. Ultimately, the solutions come from within you. Only you will know what works 

    You will also have to sometimes push yourself. You can't always avoid things you don't like. But give yourself a reward afterwards, and try to space them out.

  • Who do I seek to get diagnosis fir this or adhd/asd/edd

    I would say your best starting point is to get a good idea if you are impacted enough by these things to merit a diagnosis. Note that the diagnosis is given when the traits of the condition are severe enough to qualify as a disability so it is possible to fall 1% short of the threshold, still be impacted but not be given a diagnosis - it does not mean you are unaffected though.

    In your shoes I would start by using a search engine, look up "free online autism test" and "free online ADHD test" - take a few of these, making notes of your results by making screenshots and if you "pass" then take this proof to the GP and ask for an assessment. Note the wait time can be years.

    Whatever the result is, a highish score can inform you that you are on the spectrum or not and if you are, you can start to research more about it.

    You now have the nuggets of knowledge that there is something there so expand your own knowledge to understand it and then start researching ways of coping. There are lots of books or websites with advice so consider these.

    Personally I would do this research but then work with a licensed psychotherapist to cover the more pressing issues such as executive function here. Get personalised advice tailored to your needs and have someone who can guide you through the process, encouraging you when the inevitable stumbles happen and helping you reflect on the progress made to motivate you to continue.

    The NHS are not well equipped to help us from what I have read here from other peoples experiences so take control of your own situation would be my recommendation.