What is it?
The term executive function describes a set of cognitive abilities that control and regulate other abilities and behaviors. Executive functions are necessary for goal-directed behavior. They include the ability to initiate and stop actions, to monitor and change behavior as needed, and to plan future behavior when faced with novel tasks and situations. Executive functions allow us to anticipate outcomes and adapt to changing situations. The ability to form concepts and think abstractly are often considered components of executive function. It is not the same as ADHD. There are differences.
What are the symptoms? In my case I had a difficult time making choices or decisions. An example was when I had to purchase a vehicle. I went to a used car lot, told the salesman I wanted something with four doors, medium sized and how much I could afford. I am “older” and you would think this would be a fairly simple choice but having to choose color, style, make or model was too overwhelming so I allowed the car salesman to choose for me.
When learning new things, I easily become overwhelmed and am not able to process the information unless I take my time, take it one piece of information at a time and sometimes I have to walk away and come back to it at a later time.
Another problem is being able to put into words what I am feeling. I know how I feel, but have a difficult time putting those feelings into words that clearly express what I am feeling. Sometimes we just “do” and don’t think because it is “easier”, but unfortunately it usually catches up with us sooner or later.
What causes it? I am no expert but in my case, because my parents were abusive, they did not teach me how to make decisions on my own. I had to do what I was told to do, therefore I was not allowed to learn things as I should have.
Is there a cure? God is well able to heal anybody who believes. But He gave us a mind and He teaches us how to use it. If I take my time, if I ask questions, and even ask the opinions of others, and then set down with the information, all I can do is come up with the best solution in my mind and go with it. A person who is trying to make decisions who have Executive Function Disorder, is like trying to make a decision with only partial information. It is difficult to do but the only way to learn is through experience. It may take me a bit longer than some people, but I can learn new things, I can learn new ways of doing things. I process things differently.
We can be taught how to learn and make decisions and learn how to live with Executive Function Disorder. We are not stupid. We just get overwhelmed by all those choices. It’s like going to Baskin Robbins that says; “Since 1945, we’ve churned out over 1,400 unique and delicious flavors.” The only way to learn is to try out each flavor!