Executive Function Disorder: What it is and How Therapeutic Mentoring Can Help
Executive functioning skills are controlled by the front lobe in the brain and are responsible for helping you get things done. Thanks to executive function, you can manage time, pay attention, plan and organize, multitask, remember information and more.
When your executive function isn’t working as it should, your behavior is less controlled. This can affect your ability to work, go to school and maintain other responsibilities. So, if you or a loved one has a problem with executive functioning, it can create many challenges in your day-to-day life.
In this post, we’re going to talk about executive function problems, the types of people they’re most common in and how to use therapeutic mentoring to improve outcomes.
What is Executive Functioning Disorder?
Executive functioning disorder, or executive dysfunction, is a diagnosable condition used to describe a range of cognitive, behavioral and emotional difficulties. These difficulties usually come from another problem such as mental illness or a traumatic brain injury.
Children and adults with executive functioning problems struggle to organize materials, set schedules, regulate emotions and follow through with tasks. Attention deficit disorder and executive functions are strongly linked, as many ADHD/ADD symptoms are problems with executive function.
What Causes Executive Function Problems?
Some people are naturally born with weak executive function due to hereditary or in vitro exposure to substance use, trauma or neglect. Others suffer injuries to the front of the brain. People with depression, learning disabilities or ADHD are also at a heightened risk for executive function problems.
Usually, the signs of executive functioning disorder appear in childhood. Young people with these issues tend to struggle in school and have a hard time staying focused, keeping organized and retaining information.
Because executive functioning disorder is not recognized as an official illness, there is no set criteria to diagnose someone. Instead, doctors use various tests to gauge how well a person’s executive function works such as the Conners 3-Parent Rating Scale and Comprehensive Executive Function Inventory (CEFI).
How Therapeutic Mentoring Can Help
Executive functions CAN be improved regardless of age. Treatment is focused on external motivation, tracking time, compensating for memory deficits, visualizing the completion of tasks, attending support groups and self-care.
Bridge The Gap provides therapeutic mentors who can help manage and improve executive function problems by:
Organizing the living space. Having good organizational skills is important for home, work and school. However, they don’t come easy for everyone. A therapeutic mentor can help organize your living space so that you feel more confident and in control.
Applying for jobs. Therapeutic mentors want to see their clients succeed in the real world. This is why they offer job search assistance, mock interviews and application help.
Staying on task. People who have problems with executive function find it hard to stay on task. Therapeutic mentors teach skills and techniques individuals can use to stay focused and on track.
Setting goals. Goals are important because they provide immediate motivation and a long-term vision. A therapeutic mentor will help you set practical, reachable goals that you can start working toward today.
Practicing good self-care. Self-care makes a difference, too. When you prioritize healthy eating, exercise and sleep, your brain and body grow stronger and you’re able to make smart, rational decisions.
Making a transition. If you have to make a transition - new job, new home, new school - a therapeutic mentor can help. Without this support system, a transition could spell disaster for someone with executive functioning problems.
Bridge The Gap Treats Executive Function Disorders
Bridge The Gap offers comprehensive therapeutic mentoring services. Your mentor will work closely with you to develop a personalized care plan that includes time management, personal organization, self-care skills, vocational skills and launching into adulthood. Our goal is to create confident, productive individuals who can function in society.
To learn more about the therapeutic mentoring services through Bridge The Gap, contact us for a consultation.