The Difference Between ADHD and Executive Function Dysfunction

Simply put, ADHD (attention and focus) is one of the executive functions our brain manages. You can struggle with executive functions and not struggle with attention. However, if you struggle with attention, then you struggle with at lesson one executive function.

Attention is the brain’s ability to alert when it is supposed to. Executive function is the brain’s ability to plan and take action.

Although both of these skills are separate, both skills are necessary to be successful at managing all sorts of tasks in everyday life…

If you are not alert, then you may miss directions because you just aren’t hearing them. People with attention issues often process words on a delay because they are not alerting in a timely manner.

Executive functions help a person to organize one’s thinking and actions for a future goal or action. A person with good executive functioning skills is able to have a vision and then create an action plan in order to get there.

Executive dysfunction isn’t a diagnosis on its own. It’s also not the same thing as ADHD (which is an official diagnosis).
While people with ADHD experience executive dysfunctions, people can also experience them without ADHD.

What are Good Executive Functioning Skills and How Do They Help Folks With ADHD?

Many people with ADHD lack good executive functioning. This can be due to their distractibility, impulsivity, or inattentiveness that interfere with their ability to start and complete tasks.

Executive dysfunction isn’t a diagnosis on its own. It’s also not the same thing as ADHD (which is an official diagnosis). While people with ADHD experience executive dysfunctions, people can also experience them without ADHD.

Like an orchestra, each of the executive functions works together in various combinations. When one area is impaired, it affects the others. If a student has deficits in one of these key executive functions, it can interfere with school and academic performance.

There is an overlap between ADHD symptoms and executive dysfunction, though. This can be explained by the fact that many symptoms of ADHD, stem from issues with executive functioning.

Overlaps in ADHD symptoms and executive dysfunction include difficulties with:

Paying attention • Self-control • Working memory (ability to memory, use, and apply information) • Switching tasks • Focusing • Organizing or planning • Completing long-term projects • Considering consequences of actions

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The Difference Between ADHD and Executive Function Dysfunction