The executive functions are mental skills that everybody has which enable individuals to plan, organise themselves and execute goals. They help us to control our attention, impulses and emotions which can make it hard for individuals with executive functioning difficulties to focus, follow directions and handle emotions. The ability to make decisions, planning what you need to do and focus on it without being distracted is what allows us to accomplish the most straightforward of tasks to the more complicated, multifaceted tasks.
Difficulties with our executive functions can impact an individual’s ability to start and fully complete tasks and activities, including activities of daily living (cooking, cleaning), self-care tasks (washing and dressing) and can significantly impact individual’s performance at home, work and school.

Some key executive functions include:
• Time management
• Organisational skills
• Multitasking
• Flexible thinking
• Working memory
• Planning
• Prioritising tasks
• Task initiation
• Paying attention
• Regulating emotions
• Self-monitoring
• Impulse control

Executive functions begin developing around two years old and are fully developed by thirty years old. Evidence suggests that individuals with ADHD can be 30-40% delayed in the development of their executive functions, which makes them more likely to be motivated by short-term rather than longer-term goals. Research also suggests that up to 80% of those with autism suffer from executive function disorder.
Occupational Therapists can support individuals by identifying targeted support aimed to improve planning, organisation and time management skills, for example using tools such as planners, calendars, and alarms. By using task analysis, Occupational Therapists can help individuals break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to increase the chances of successful completion. Occupational Therapists can also advise on redesigning the environment to help individuals stay on task. For example, at work individuals may compensate for working memory deficits by having visual prompts e.g. sticky notes (digital notes that can be pinned to your desktop), lists, journals and apps.