Executive functions refer to the cognitive and mental abilities that help people get things done. They direct actions, control behavior, and motivate us to achieve our goals and prepare for future events.
When a person’s executive functions fail, he has trouble analyzing, planning, organizing, scheduling, and completing tasks. People with an executive function deficit commonly lack the ability to handle frustration, start and finish tasks, recall and follow multi-step directions, stay on track, self monitor, and balance tasks (like sports and work demands). If this sounds familiar, watch this video.
Could You Have an Executive Function Deficit?
People with executive function disorder may struggle to:
- Analyze
- Plan
- Organize
- Schedule
- Start and complete tasks
Neurologically, executive function deficits also make it tough to:
- Handle frustration
- Follow multi-step directions
- Stay on track
- Self monitor
- Balance tasks (like school and work demands)
Take the following EFD self-test by answering Yes or No:
- I have trouble getting started on complicated projects.
- I lose interest quickly or get easily distracted when a task isn’t highly stimulating.
- I become so absorbed in tasks that interest me that I forget about other obligations.
- I say, “I will do it later,” and then forget all about it, even when it’s important to me.
- At least once a day, I lose or misplace items – like my keys, wallet, or cell phone.
- I have trouble following conversations. I am always distracted or trying to remember what to say.
- I consistently forget appointments. I am often late when I do
- I can’t seem to get a handle on clutter. My desk is covered in piles of papers.
- I have difficulty figuring out what is most important, or where I should start on my to-do list.
- I become frustrated when things don’t go as planned, and can quickly become angry.
If you agreed with a majority of these statements, you may have symptoms that resemble EFD.
This self-test video is designed to determine whether you show symptoms similar to those of an executive function disorder. If you have concerns about possible a executive function disorder see a health professional. An accurate diagnosis can only be made through clinical evaluation. This self-test is for personal use only.
[Self-Test: Could You Have an Executive Function Deficit?]
Updated on June 29, 2023