Executive Functioning and ADHD

Children with ADHD often have difficulties with executive functioning, which simply put is the ability to shift attention through steps to get things done. Almost everything we do requires going through steps, even tasks we find very simple. Think about all the steps that are required to complete a seemingly simple multi-step task like brushing your teeth: 

1. Decide you want to brush your teeth

2. Go to the bathroom where the toothbrush is located

3. Get your toothbrush

4. Find the toothpaste

5. Put the toothpaste on the tooth brush

6. Go through all the steps to brushing your teeth

7. Spitting out the toothpaste

8. Washing out your mouth

9. Cleaning your toothbrush

10. Putting the toothbrush away

Each step in a simple multistep task like brushing teeth presents opportunities for a child with ADHD to get distracted before even starting the first step of a task or disengaging from the task in between steps. For example, a child can see his Nintendo Switch on the way to the bathroom to brush his teeth and decide to play it for a while instead of brushing his teeth. He may get into the bathroom, get out his toothbrush, put the tooth paste on his toothbrush, and he might realize a new episode of his favorite TV show is out that he wants to watch. While all kids struggle with this from time to time, children with ADHD struggle much more than other kids at completing multistep tasks without getting distracted. 

What is the consequence of executive functioning problems in ADHD? 

Because children and adults with ADHD struggle to complete tasks, they can often be called lazy, people can assume they have a bad attitude, or that they simply do not care. Family, teachers, supervisors, and co-workers of children and adults with ADHD can often become frustrated with them because they feel like they constantly have to remind them to start or finish tasks like chores or homework. The negative feedback from others often leads children and adults with ADHD to feel bad about themselves and their potential, leading them to develop low self-esteem.