7 Signs of Executive Function Disorder in Adults

Mental health is a complex issue. There are millions of different symptoms, disorders, and treatments.

Add on to that is the fact that every brain works on different levels and has different quirks.

The tragic wrench that drives this issue even further into confusion and complexity is how little we focus on the issues of adults. Finding an issue like Executive Function Disorder in adults can be a monumental task.

If you or a loved one is experiencing communication and professional challenges due to executive disfunction, there are experts available to provide the support and guidance you need. Click here to schedule a free introductory call with Great Speech. This way, you will know you are addressing adult executive function skills in the most effective way possible.

Today we are focusing on Executive Function Disorder and how you can recognize it as well as how you can combat it. Ready to get started? Read on below.

Recognizing the Key Signs of Executive Function Disorder in Adults

The basics of Executive Function Disorder stem from issues with focus. In general terms, the disorder divides and distorts the focus centers of the brain, making it hard for many to complete what would be basic tasks.

There are many who may view the symptoms of Executive Function Disorder as distracted, overemotional, or even lazy.

The truth of the matter is for many it can be close to impossible to attempt these small functions with regularity.

To recognize this disorder, you need to catch some of the key symptoms. While this list is not comprehensive, and some of the symptoms can range from major to minor, all of these can still point towards Executive Function Disorder.

You can also schedule a free introductory call to get matched with a speech language therapist on our team to address your challenges with executive function, and learn different skills to help you succeed in your personal and professional life. 

1. Trouble With Emotions

Emotions are already a problematic matter to deal with. In today’s society, many view emotions as unprofessional, unneeded, or misunderstood.

Because of these misunderstandings and criticisms, many bottle their emotions or choose to ignore them. This can lead to false signs of a symptom, as some may lack emotional maturity due to abuse or trauma.

For those with Executive Function Disorder, a big symptom comes in the form of a lack of control over both emotions and impulses.

When there is an inability to control impulses or to hold off on rash decisions, Executive Function Disorder may be the cause. This can also apply to sharp changes in emotions or emotional outbursts with little warning or cause.

2. Problems With Starting or Completing Tasks

The lack of focus at any point during a task can be a major sign of Executive Function Disorder. This can appear at any point, whether starting, completing, or even organizing and planning a task.

This can be a bit different from uncertainty in a task or a lack of knowledge or skill needed to finish the task.

For Executive Function Disorder, this is a flat-out mental block in continuing where you left off. This can often come with frustrating effects as it is rare that it is rational or wanted.

This can be a common shared symptom with ADHD. ADHD and Executive Function Disorder can have a lot of overlap and share a lot of the same physical and mental symptoms.

3. Issues with Paying Attention or Learning

It can be an awkward situation when you are doing a presentation or explaining an item to someone and their attention is elsewhere.

It is possible that some people are rude. That said, if it is persistent despite the person’s shows of desire to pay attention and learn, then it may be a symptom of Executive Function Disorder.

Those with the disorder have great troubles focusing on a task at hand. That also applies to when others are discussing or providing information. The disassociation with the subject is often the main culprit.

4. Short Term Memory Problems

Have you ever had a forgetful moment where you lost track of what you were doing? It may be a misplaced item or a lost space in the current task.

It can happen a lot to those who multitask a lot (see next symptom) but if it is a persistent problem no matter how focused you are on the issue at hand, it may be Executive Function Disorder.

It can happen at any given moment and can often be persistent multiple times in a single task.

On the worst days, it can be backbreaking to not be able to keep your memory going for more than a few moments at a time.

5. Inability to Multitask

Back to the previous example, many people who are very goal-oriented and push for constant productivity can multitask. For those with Executive Function Disorder, it is a recipe for forgetfulness and lost focus.

This does not make those with Executive Function Disorder wrong or unproductive. It means that, with the right training and skills, their focus is best mastered on a single task.

If you find yourself overwhelmed when more than one task comes your way, no matter the stress level, than it may be a strong sign that you have Executive Function Disorder.

6. Various Social Issues

Reading the room and acclimating to social issues is already a difficult task. There are many mental disorders that can create or worsen poor social skills.

Due to the lack of focus and the inability to pick up on too many details at once, many with Executive Function Disorder can have poor responses in social situations.

This does not mean that those with these issues are unable to have any social interaction. It does mean that they may get the wrong emotional read on the situation, or misunderstand someone’s intent.

This can lead to a lot of harmful and frustrating moments in your social circles.

7. Difficulty Overcoming Certain Problems

Problem-solving is a trait that is a high priority in many jobs and will be a used trait in almost every aspect of life.

While problem-solving is broad enough to not always be an issue, having troubles with basic problem-solving skills can be a symptom of Executive Function Disorder.

From the mathematics of all varieties and degrees to understanding the relations of a large number of variables, there is a huge variety of problem-solving that can fall under this umbrella.

The biggest way to denote whether someone may have this issue is frequency. Again, getting confused about a problem here and there is not quite a symptom, but a frequent inability to break down or solve a problem is huge.

Getting Help From People Who Specialize

Understanding the signs of Executive Function Disorder in adults is a big way to help start someone on the road to getting a handle on their issues.

While children can be the most susceptible to learning and change, adults have the potential to overcome these conditions as well. All you need is to get matched with someone who specializes!

We here at Great Speech specialize in powerful training programs to help break down and support issues related to executive function. We will assist you in determining your individual requirements and objectives, as well as developing a comprehensive plan for speech therapy. Schedule your free introductory call today by clicking the button below to get answers to all your questions and get started right away.