Executive Functioning 101

🔥 A tiny toe dip into ADHD.

Hey there, friend,

Have you ever heard of the term “executive functioning”?

It’s usually talked about in reference to ADHD.

Yes? Then this is the newsletter for you.

No? Then this is the newsletter for you.

Executive Functioning 101

Executive functioning is a brain function we develop as we mature—i.e., we’re not born with it.

If you’ve ever heard the joke, “Gotta wait til my prefrontal cortex develops,” they’re talking about executive functioning (among other functions).

The following functions all fall under executive functioning:

• Flexible thinking

• Working memory (the ability to recall stuff off the top of your head)

• Self-monitoring

• Planning and prioritizing

• Task initiation

• Organization

• Impulse control

• Emotional control

It’s worth mentioning not every neurodivergent person struggles with executive functioning, and even those that do don’t struggle with every aspect of executive functioning, but it’s enough to be mentionable.

Why we talk about executive functioning

Now that you know the basis of executive functioning, let’s talk quickly about why it’s important to talk about.

First of all, it’s important for us all to have the words we need to describe the experiences we have.

I fully believe this and follow linguistic exactness with my life. (as much as to my ability, of course).

Advocating for yourself, others, and getting fair treatment comes with having the language to tell others why you’re the way you are.

Secondly, self-love comes from self-awareness. And self-awareness comes from external awareness.

It’s really hard to love yourself when you think you’re lazy, broken, or helpless. When you feel this way, you’re much more unlikely to ask for the support we need to thrive.

The truth is neurodivergent people need more support than neurotypical (NT) people, because we aren’t built to maintain NT standards.

So by talking about executive functioning in a way that’s educational and most of all not shaming, we can discuss solutions to the problems we know vs. punishments for the problems we don’t understand.

Make sense?

x, Atlas