Hacking Your ADHD Research recap with Skye: Executive Dysfunction and Early ADHD in Preschoolers
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Sep 19, 2025 
Skye Waterson, ADHD researcher and founder of Unconventional Organization, breaks down a fascinating study on how executive dysfunction impacts preschoolers. They discuss key findings linking working memory to later academic success while exploring the roles of time perception and delay aversion. Skye also offers practical strategies for managing time blindness, like using visual timers. Listeners walk away with tangible tips to support young children navigating ADHD symptoms and academic challenges.
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Preschool Findings Target Symptoms Not Diagnosis
- Preschool ADHD research focuses on symptoms, not formal diagnoses, because behavior at 4–5 years is variable.
- The paper linked executive function, delay aversion, and time perception to later academic outcomes.
Don't Rely Only On Questionnaires
- Use multiple measures beyond parent/teacher questionnaires for early ADHD concerns.
- Start looking for differences early but avoid overdiagnosis at age four or five.
Measure Delay Aversion With Choice And Frustration
- Test delay aversion with choice tasks that contrast immediate versus larger delayed rewards.
- Use frustration tasks to reveal intolerance for unexpected delays.