How Does ADHD Affect Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning refers to the different cognitive abilities a person has. These abilities include things like organizing, planning, making rational decisions, and being able to control their impulses. ADHD can have a significant impact on executive functioning.
While people deal with ADHD in different ways, there’s no question that some of the symptoms of ADHD have a substantial effect on certain cognitive abilities. Let’s take a closer look at how ADHD affects executive functioning and what you can do if you, your child, or teen have ADHD.
The Difficulties of ADHD With Executive Functioning
ADHD affects everyone differently. Not everyone will have the same symptoms; some might excel more in certain areas of executive functioning than others. However, there are some common issues most people with ADHD face when it comes to executive functioning.
For example, one of the most common symptoms of ADHD is difficulty focusing. You might have a hard time keeping your attention on one thing for an extended period of time.
ADHD can also impact your working memory. This makes it difficult to hold onto things you just learned or heard, so you might have difficulties following instructions or remembering sequences.
Many people with ADHD also have trouble staying organized or planning ahead. This often leads to procrastination. Things like poor time-management skills and difficulties making decisions can also impact your life, and they’re often a direct result of ADHD symptoms.
ADHD and the Brain
People with ADHD have brains that tend to process things differently. Things like neurotransmitter imbalances are common in those with ADHD and can contribute to executive dysfunction.Many people with ADHD also have an underactive prefrontal cortex. This is the area of the brain responsible for things like decision-making. When it isn’t as active as it should be, it can lead to procrastination, impulsive behaviors, and other issues that impact a person’s cognitive abilities.
What Are the Challenges of Executive Functioning?
As you might expect, the negative impact ADHD has on executive functioning can take a toll on nearly every area of your life, or your child’s life.
For children, it can impact their academic performance. They might have difficulties paying attention, remembering things, or staying organized to prioritize tasks.
As adults, these issues can carry over into the workplace, potentially jeopardizing a healthy career.
ADHD can also impact your life socially, starting with self-regulation issues. Things like time management and lack of focus can also be damaging to relationships and frustrating for both people involved.
Impaired executive functioning can make it difficult to work through daily tasks.
Everything from showing up on time to staying organized and getting things done can be more difficult because of ADHD.
How Can You Support Your Executive Functioning?
While living with ADHD comes with its challenges, it is possible for your or your child to thrive even if you have ADHD.
The first step is ensuring that you have received a proper diagnosis, and are able to address ADHD symptoms and their comorbidities (e.g., anxiety, depression). Many people view ADHD as a children’s disorder, but that’s mainly because kids are diagnosed more frequently than adults. If you have symptoms of ADHD, even as an adult, reaching out to a psychologist can help you gain clarity. If you’re a California resident, I conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations for children, teens, and adults who may have ADHD.
If you already know you have ADHD and you’re struggling with executive dysfunction, there are plenty of resources that can support you with your ADHD including:
medication, to help you manage daily life.
audiobooks, workbooks, and tools for disorganization (check out this page for my favorite resources for adults with ADHD)
therapy, to help you manage stressors associated with ADHD
Ways To Support Your ADHD Child’s Executive Functioning
Supporting an ADHD child who struggles with executive functioning often means becoming their external guide while their brain is still learning how to manage tasks, time, and emotions. Parents can help by breaking down big projects into smaller, doable steps, using visual reminders, and creating consistent routines that reduce daily overwhelm.
It also helps to model calm problem-solving when things don’t go as planned, as your child will learn from watching how you handle stressors and flexibility. While it can feel exhausting to constantly remind, prompt, and coach, these strategies help your ADHD child gradually build the skills they need to thrive at home and at school.
Parenting ADHD Kids Course
Parenting a child with ADHD can feel like you’re constantly juggling reminders, meltdowns, and routines that never seem to stick. Most generic parenting advice doesn’t account for how an ADHD brain works, leaving you frustrated and wondering what you’re missing. That’s exactly why I created Connected & Practical Parenting, my course for parents of ADHD kids, tweens, and teens.
Inside the course, you’ll learn how to set up structures that support executive functioning, manage big emotions without escalating conflict, and create daily systems that help your child (and your family) feel calmer and more connected. Parents who join gain access to step-by-step guidance, real-life examples, and practical tools you can start using right away. If you’ve been searching for a roadmap that helps your ADHD child thrive at home and at school, this course was made for you.