ADD / ADHD TREATMENT

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ADHD is a problem with a group of skills called executive function. These skills include organization and managing emotions, which are usually a struggle for kids with ADHD.

At a Glance
• Executive function is a group of important mental skills.
• These skills fall under three areas of executive function.
• The three areas of executive function are working memory,
flexible thinking, and inhibitory control.

Not all experts look at executive function in the same way. But many view it as a group of important skills that include:
• Paying attention
• Organizing and planning
• Starting tasks and staying focused on them
• Managing emotions
• Keeping track of what you’re doing

These skills can impact kids and adults at home, at school, and in social situations.

The three areas of executive function (according to experts, all five executive functioning skills fit under these three umbrellas):
1. Working memory
What it is: The ability to keep information in mind and then use it in some way
Example: A student might use this skill to read a text on an English test, hold on to the information, and then use it to answer questions.

2. Cognitive flexibility (also known as flexible thinking)
What it is: The ability to think about something in more than one way
Example: A student might use this skill to answer a math problem in two ways or to find relationships between different concepts.

3. Inhibitory control (includes self-control)
What it is: The ability to ignore distractions and resist temptation
Example: A child might use this skill to keep from blurting out an answer in class. It helps kids regulate their emotions and keep from acting impulsively.

Skills related to Executive Function (Here are some other skills that might be hard for people who struggle with executive function).

Reflection: Reflection is a process that allows people to stop and think before they respond to something. This skill is key for solving problems. The more kids practice reflection, the better they get at it.

Processing speed: Kids need to go through the reflection process quickly to solve problems on time. That’s where processing speed comes in. Some experts view this skill as the engine that drives how well people use executive functioning skills to solve problems and achieve goals.

You might also hear about something called “hot executive function.” This comes into play in situations that aren’t emotionally “neutral.” It helps people manage their emotional reactions. Kids might rely on hot executive function during a spelling bee to keep their excitement or anxiety in check. Others might use it to resist temptation.

ADHD doesn’t look the same in all kids. And signs look different at different ages. Some may even disappear as kids get older, even though ADHD doesn’t go away.

There’s one confusing sign of ADHD. Kids who have trouble focusing most of the time can often “hyperfocus” or focus very well on things they find really interesting. For example, they might focus for hours on playing a sport but for only a few minutes on doing homework.

Here are some signs of ADHD you might see in different grades.
Preschool–Grade 2
• Ignores directions or doesn’t follow them
• Grabs things without permission
• Needs to be frequently reminded to stop and listen
• Gets up, fidgets, or talks when expected to be quiet

Grades 3–7
• Seems daydreamy and distracted, and easily loses focus
• Often loses or forgets things
• Is often restless
• Doesn’t think about consequences before doing things

Teens/Adults
• Has trouble getting organized and prioritizing things
• Acts impulsively or does risky things
• Fidgets and talks too much
• Has trouble meeting deadlines and finishing tasks

Numerous risk factors for ADHD have been proposed. CLICK HERE for some of the RISK FACTORS which appear to exacerbate existing ADHD symptoms and have an affected neural mechanisms of action.