Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: Executive Functions and ADHD

Executive Functions and ADHD

Executive functions are the brain’s “management system” — skills that help children plan,

organise, remember instructions, control impulses, and regulate emotions. For children with

ADHD, these skills often develop more slowly, making everyday tasks — like getting ready

for school, starting homework, or keeping track of belongings — especially challenging.

Difficulties with executive functioning may look like forgetfulness, emotional outbursts, poor

time management, or trouble following multi-step instructions. These challenges reflect real

neurological differences, not laziness or lack of motivation.

Parents often find these challenges frustrating — what seems like defiance or carelessness is

often the child’s brain working much harder just to stay on track. Understanding this helps

parents approach behaviour with empathy and practical strategies, rather than conflict.

Core Executive Function Skills

Skills Area	What It Means	When It's Working Well	When It's Hard (Common in ADHD)
Working Memory	Remembering and using information to complete tasks.	Follows instructions or remembers what's needed for school.	Forgets steps, loses track, or needs frequent reminders.
Impulse Control	Thinking before acting or speaking.	Waits turn and thinks before reacting.	Interrupts or acts without thinking about consequences.
Flexible Thinking	Adapting to change or trying new strategies.	Can adjust when plans change.	Gets stuck on one idea or upset by change.
Planning & Organisation	Managing time, steps, and materials to meet goals.	Organised and can plan schoolwork.	Forgets things, struggles to start or finish tasks.
Emotional Control	Managing feelings appropriately.	Calms down after frustration.	Has big reactions or takes a long time to settle.
Task Initiation	Starting tasks efficiently and independently.	Begins work without delay.	Procrastinates or avoids difficult tasks.
Focus & Attention	Staying on task and ignoring distractions.	Maintains attention on work.	Easily distracted or loses focus.
Self-Monitoring	Checking work and behaviour.	Notices and corrects mistakes.	Unaware of errors or social impact.
Persistence	Continuing effort despite difficulty.	Keeps trying and finishes tasks.	Gives up quickly when frustrated.