Executive Function Disorder

Does anybody else have this?

I have been looking at possible reasons as to why I struggle so much with day to day life, or get stressed very easily over such minor, insignificant things.

Found this table today that describes the most common issues, and found I struggle with at least 10 out of the 12 things:

Executive Function

Real World Example

Task Initiation

Displays procrastination – puts off minor household tasks such as changing lights or doing the dishes after dinner

Planning

Cannot explain priorities and goals – loses out on opportunities such as going to a favorite restaurant due to not making reservations or planning ahead

Organization

Is always looking for something – loses money, keys, wallet, or cell phone on a regular basis

Time Management

Works very slowly – underestimates how much time it will take to complete tasks such as going food shopping or making dinner

Flexibility

Experiences problems with changes in routine and schedule – becomes overly upset when a meeting or plans are changed

Metacognition

Cannot explain how she intends to approach or solve a problem – often feels that things that happen to her are outside of her control

Response Inhibition

Can be impulsive – drinks or gambles too much without considering the impact

Regulation of Affect

Gets angry or upset easily – goes into a rage or angry display in response to a perceived criticism

Social Awareness

Is unaware of other people’s feelings – unknowingly stands too close in conversations or otherwise makes them uncomfortable

Sustained Attention

Starts one thing after another without finishing them or reads a book without paying attention to the content and needs to reread it

Goal-Directed Persistence

Is bored by long-term tasks – starts cleaning the garage or basement and gives up after an hour

Working Memory

Is absent-minded – often forgets items she wants when food shopping

If you have EFD, or agree with a lot of the points above, please can you let me know what you use to cope with different day to day issues.

Thanks

Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Hi ROmeo,

    I have suffered from all of those things. I bet most others on the forum will see these behaviours in themselves.

    In my opinion they link to 

    a) Stress - which follows from an autistic person living amongst non-autistic people. Stressed people do not perform efficiently or effectively.

    b) Autism - leads to inexplicable behaviour like metacognition. We can't describe how we get to a conclusion because we have communication issues.

    c) AD(H)D - 

    All of these things impact executive function. I don't think this is a recognised diagnosable disorder is it?

Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Hi ROmeo,

    I have suffered from all of those things. I bet most others on the forum will see these behaviours in themselves.

    In my opinion they link to 

    a) Stress - which follows from an autistic person living amongst non-autistic people. Stressed people do not perform efficiently or effectively.

    b) Autism - leads to inexplicable behaviour like metacognition. We can't describe how we get to a conclusion because we have communication issues.

    c) AD(H)D - 

    All of these things impact executive function. I don't think this is a recognised diagnosable disorder is it?

Children
No Data