Understanding Executive Functioning
Understanding executive functioning & related differences & needs can involve gaining insight into the different experiences of individuals with executive functioning differences & needs.
The information below aims to highlight key areas that individuals with executive functioning differences & need can experience day-to-day. Informed by consultation with individuals who experience executive functioning differences & need.
Disclaimer: While this information is carefully researched, it is for information & guidance only. Readers should verify & seek further advice to ensure it aligns to their circumstances.
- Organization
- Time Management
- Task Initiation
- Flexibility
- Working Memory
Organization
The following can be insightful for understanding organization in executive functioning:
✔ Finding it challenging to plan ahead or prioritize tasks.
✔ Challenges in breaking larger projects into smaller steps.
✔ Forgetting deadlines or appointments even with reminders.
What it can feel like
“It can feel like trying to juggle too many balls at once & you’re never sure which one you’re about to drop. And sometimes, even which one comes next”
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Anxiety
SEMH
Trauma & Adversity
Processing
Sensory
Time Management
The following can be insightful for understanding time management in executive functioning:
✔ Losing track of time when doing tasks.
✔ Struggling to estimate how long activities will take.
✔ Feeling rushed or always behind.
What it can feel like
“It’s like time keeps slipping away without me noticing — suddenly the deadline is here & I’m not ready.”
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For more information, see:
Anxiety
SEMH
Processing
Sensory
Speech & Language
Task Initiation
The following can be insightful for understanding time management in executive functioning:
✔ Knowing what to do but finding it challenging to start.
✔ Feeling overwhelmed by where to start, or experiencing “task paralysis”.
✔ Needing extra prompts or cues to get going.
What it can feel like
“Even when I want to start, it can feel like I’m stuck & can’t even take the first step.”
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For more information, see:
Anxiety
SEMH
Trauma & Adversity
Processing
Executive Functioning
Flexibility
The following can be insightful for understanding time management in executive functioning:
✔ Finding it difficult to adapt when plans change.
✔ Becoming stuck on one idea or way of doing things.
✔ Feeling unsettled by unexpected changes.
What it can feel like
“When things don’t go to plan, it can feel like the whole map has been thrown away or something — & I don’t know which way to turn.”
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For more information, see:
Processing
Executive Functioning
Sensory
Working Memory
The following can be insightful for understanding working memory in executive functioning:
✔ Losing rack of the steps in the middle of a task.
✔ Forgetting instructions quickly.
✔ Finding it challenging to hold numbers, words, or ideas in mind.
What it can feel like
“It’s like my mind goes blank too quickly, even when I want to keep the information there.”
Start learning today.
For more information, see:
Anxiety
SEMH
Trauma & Adversity
Sensory
Processing
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