Dr. Karen Wilson, clinical neuropsychologist, joins to explain executive function and its link to ADHD and mental health challenges like anxiety. She discusses the different skills encompassed by executive function, the importance of flexible thinking and self-regulation, and the possibility of a part two episode exploring working memory and flexible thinking.
Executive function refers to the ability to problem-solve and achieve goals through various steps.
Executive function is significantly impacted in individuals with ADHD, who struggle with attention, prioritization, meeting deadlines, and managing time due to difficulties in the same areas of the brain responsible for executive function.
Deep dives
What is Executive Function?
Executive function refers to the ability to problem-solve and achieve goals through various steps.
The Role of Executive Function in the Brain
Executive function is closely associated with the front areas of the brain and is responsible for orchestrating and coordinating other brain functions.
Development of the Frontal Lobe and Executive Function
The frontal lobe, responsible for executive function, continues to develop into our mid-20s, resulting in differences between children and adults in planning, organizing, prioritizing, and time management.
The Connection between ADHD and Executive Function
Executive function is significantly impacted in individuals with ADHD, who struggle with attention, prioritization, meeting deadlines, and managing time due to difficulties in the same areas of the brain responsible for executive function.
Executive function comes up all the time in our interviews with people with ADHD. Why is that? Expert Dr. Karen Wilson joins Laura in this episode to explain. She defines executive function and talks about the types of skills under the executive function umbrella. Dr. Wilson also answers questions like: Does everyone with ADHD have executive function challenges? And what’s the link between executive function and mental health challenges like anxiety?
Dr. Wilson is a clinical neuropsychologist and the founder of ChildNEXUS, a web application that connects parents of kids with learning or mental health challenges with service providers. Tune in to learn about the connection between ADHD and executive function — and what it means for people with ADHD in everyday life.
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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