Understanding Executive Function: The Missing Puzzle Piece in ADHD
by Cali Shimkovitz, MEd, RP(Q)
When we talk about ADHD, most people think about trouble focusing, impulsivity, or hyperactivity. But there’s a lesser-known part of the picture that often goes overlooked – and it’s a big one: executive function.
If your child or teen has been diagnosed with ADHD (or you suspect they might be struggling with it), understanding executive function can feel like discovering the missing puzzle piece. It helps explain why everyday things – like starting homework, remembering their lunch, or managing big emotions – can be so hard, even when they want to do better.
So what is executive function, and why does it matter so much for kids and teens with ADHD?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Executive Function?
Think of executive function as the brain’s “management system.” It’s a group of mental skills that help us:
Plan and prioritize
Stay focused
Organize materials and ideas
Manage time
Regulate emotions
Start and finish tasks
These are the skills that allow us to shift from one thing to another, follow multi-step instructions, and keep track of what we need to do and when.
For kids and teens, that might look like:
Remembering to hand in homework (and actually putting it in their backpack)
Starting a writing assignment without getting overwhelmed
Calming down after getting frustrated
Following through on chores or responsibilities
In other words, executive functioning skills are essential for success at school, at home, and in relationships.
How Executive Dysfunction Shows Up in ADHD
Executive functioning challenges are at the core of ADHD. In fact, many researchers see ADHD less as an attention disorder and more as a disorder of executive function.
This can explain why:
A teen with ADHD can hyperfocus on their favourite video game for hours, but can’t start their math homework.
A child may know what they need to do, but forget in the moment without a prompt.
A tween might lose their cool over a small frustration – not because they’re trying to be “difficult,” but because emotional regulation is a skill still under construction.
These difficulties aren’t about motivation, intelligence, or character. They’re about how the ADHD brain is wired and where it needs support.
Why This Matters for Parents and Educators
When executive functioning skills are weak, expectations often feel impossible to meet. Without understanding why, others may interpret this as laziness, disorganization, or defiance.
However, when we recognize that these are lagging skills, not bad behaviours, we can shift into problem-solving mode. Instead of asking “Why won’t they just do it?” we ask:
What’s getting in the way?
How can we support this skill in a more effective way?
This lens is especially helpful for kids who have been labelled as “bright but scattered,” “capable but inconsistent,” or “smart but not living up to their potential.” The problem isn’t a lack of ability. It’s a gap in the executive skills needed to use that ability consistently.
Building Executive Function Skills Takes Time (and Support)
Here’s the good news: executive functioning skills can be taught, practiced, and strengthened over time – especially when kids feel safe, understood, and supported.
At Straight Up Health, we offer Executive Functioning Support that’s tailored to the real-world challenges kids and teens are facing. Our approach is:
Practical – We work on what matters: organizing schoolwork, managing time, learning how to start (and finish) tasks, and more.
Collaborative – It’s not about “fixing” your child. It’s about building skills with them, step-by-step.
Compassionate – We understand that behind every missed deadline or emotional outburst is a young person doing their best with the tools they have.
Whether your child has a formal ADHD diagnosis or is simply struggling with attention, planning, or follow-through, building executive functioning skills can make a huge difference – not just in school, but in confidence, independence, and wellbeing.
Looking for support with executive functioning skills?
Our team offers 1:1 executive functioning coaching that’s grounded in empathy and tailored to your child or teen’s unique brain. Email us today to learn more.