Disorganization, poor time management skills, inability to plan may be "executive functioning deficits" brought about by brain dysfunction

"Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often do poorly in school because they are disorganized, can’t manage their time, and fail to plan.

Researchers have found that many of these children have deficits in executive functioning. "This is a system in the brain that is responsible for managing processes that are needed to problem solve and attain future goals," according to principal investigator Joseph Biederman, M.D."

I always thought that disorganization, inability to set and pursue goals, and managing time well could be symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder but this study seems to imply that utilization of "executive functions" may be above and beyond ADD.

Learning how to set goals, organize their work and projects, and manage their time are skills that every human being needs to learn. The fact that some people seem to have a harder time learning these skills seems obvious for people who work with children like teachers, coaches, and parents. The idea that these capabilities are located somewhere in the brain and that brain dysfunction may contribute to difficulties in learning these skills is an interesting idea.

We know that the brain is a very resilient organ and it remains to be seen as we learn more about this what kinds of "treatment" might be recommended if we were to enhance these functions. It would seem that a biochemical approach might be suggested as well as behavioral approaches, and, of course, both.

The important point for the time being might be that these difficulties are not misbehavior, but a problem with brain functioning.

Psychiatric News -- Lehmann 38 (22): 25-a

Comments

[taneya leigh]

I have a son with these same syptoms and I do not know how to grasp the concept of how this happened. He does have adhd and it is very hard. what can I do as a parent to make sure that i understand how to deal with it instead of always thinking that it is just his behavior. how can I communicate with him to make it clear of what I am saying without him getting frustrated and thinking that I'm always down his back.