Executive Dysfunction

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I read on here in one or two posts that some of you have Executive Dysfunction. I had never heard it before but it sounded a bit like me so I looked it up.

I know it may sound like I am being a bit of a hypochondriac here, since I already believe I have either AS &/or Dyspraxia (probably &!) but honestly I don't imagine I have everything as soon as I hear about it. (ADHD & PDD-NOS don't seem to apply, for instance).

However, one of my most serious issues does not seem to be addressed under either AS or Dyspraxia, but it does seem like it might be Executive Dysfunction.

For instance, I don't know how to do housework. Seriously! In my head I know, but I don't seem to be able to apply that to actually doing it. It is like a link is missing. I can do it if I am copying someone else who is showing me how, or if I have an illustrated "step by step guide", like on the "you need to have X, Y & Z; put the plug in the sink, squeeze the X on the Y" level. (This has nothing to do with my IQ at all as this is very high.)

It also relates to things like projects. I have NEVER been able to do projects; at present it is the only thing I have outstanding on my college course after I passed the exams - it is currently one whole year overdue! Also at work I have problems organising events, i.e. I don't do half the things I am meant to have done because no-one explained I needed to do them.

I am always going overdrawn at the bank because I can't keep track of my spending; I often pay bills late because I lose them amongst all the other junk; I have 2 cheques a year old that I can't find which I need to pay in in the next few weeks or they will go out of time.

I find it almost impossible to get anywhere on time (things always take longer than I expect, e.g. I walk out of the house on time & by the time I have started the car I am late!)

I also have problems about things like hair & makeup, e.g. if I am performing in a dance show, no-one can understand that I simply can't do my own hair & makeup - in fact if they try & make me I get into a total panic. (I feel exactly how a closet dyslexic would feel if they were suddenly told to read aloud in school assembly - i.e. totally exposed & "outed".)

Is this executive dysfunction? & if so, does anyone else on here have it?

I probably have something like Executive Dysfunction... it's a strange thing.

Exactly as you described... I understand what I have to do... but doing it... actual action always is slow or forgotten.

I like to say I am pretty independent and can manage on my own... but honestly I need a lot of help...

Yes it is to do with executive function. Planning/organising is a major part of executive. But still executive is a very large area. You don't seem to have problem from working from 'first principles' or recall such as you need in exams.

So whether you have executive dysfunction to a clinical level I'm not sure. There is a standard psychometric test which diagnosed my executive dysfunction. Thing is executive dysfunction is not a disorder itself it is part of a disorder. To a varying degree thing like ASD and ADHD have problems with the executive. However when it is really bad it really is a disorder in itself. I think you can get by to have a job. You are geting on with things, so you might do general things to help such as getting a pda but other than that unless it is really stopping you from doing what you really want I wouldnt let it bother you.

It is really big area even some emotional control, character judgment, ToM comes under executive. So it depends what you’re talking about.

I was diagnosed with dysexecutive syndrome, which I think is the same thing. Not sure though.

I'm not smart enough to understand how executive function problems are any different than inattention. Perhaps its just a refinement of one of the precise ramifications of certain parts of the brain having lower neurotransmitters activity. Whatever it is I'm at the mercy of it and have little control. It has my day planned for me and that plan includes doing alot of nothing and alot sleeping.

I'm not sure either, although it is bad enough to affect my work to a detrimental degree (I now know I am in completely the wrong job for my strengths/weaknesses) and my living conditions.

Yes, passing exams is easy for me - cram it all in, spew it all out. But as for coursework/projects/practicals, forget it!

My problem is more connected to the practical things (my dyspraxic side) rather than the intellectual side, i.e. in translating thoughts into actions. However I do have problems with things like precis and taking notes at the same time as trying to listen.

As for the ADHD/inattention - I suppose the difference is just in which specific neurons are not firing, i.e. it is the same problem in a slightly different part of the brain.

I think one difference could be that for some it is neurochemical(and why stimulants help)and one is brain wiring,why behavior mod can help learn "tricks/habits" but may not rewire the brain,though new pathways maybe connected over time?

This is a huge problem for me and it is a common co-morbid of AS.I think the reason some aspies develop OCD like need for orginization,order and habit is to cope with the frustration of executive function.Once you get things orginized,OCD can be seom what of a blessing,forcing you to stay orginized.Ever heard an aspie scream becuase something of their was moved...this isnt dysfunctional it's survival.

When I lived alone, I actually would do reorginizing and enjoyed it,after it was done.(cycle was....increased caos creates increased anxiety and frustration at not finding things.....would eventually propell me to take everything apart and reorder it.)Now,I live with my BF and his 16 year old,two cats and two bunnies...we are all "collectors"(Me=everything,BF=guitars,music stands,amps,Kid=every video game system and game ever made)I can not make all this "fit" into my head to reorder it.I am slowly going insane.

I have all my bills automatically deducted, and when possible paychecks automatically put into my account. i don't know how much my expenditure on bills is a month, but i think its something like $500. I also make sure I get paper bills, but since I rarely open them then only one thats incentive to check to make sure everything is being deducted as it should as the car insurance which i have to check on every 6 months.

When I have a check that can't be direct deposited, I keep in my car. Used to be in my glove box, but now in that box thing with the lid between the front seats. Regardless of where you get your checks you will either be very close to your car, or returning to your car in a short time so this is an excellent place to keep them. Furthermore, it means you don't need to double check if you have them on the way to your bank because even if you forgot to check they'll be on the way to the bank with you. It also help to have an account at a bank that you drive past regularly.

I have a really hard time remembering lots of little details, things I'm supposed to do at a given time. I *HAVE* to rely on my Palm and computer to do them, and unfortunately have gotten into issues at work because of that.

I'm also bad about judging how long it's going to take to get ready. I have to give myself 2 hours as I really don't know.

I have no idea if there's a name for all that.

This is more-or-less one of the major sources of difficulty for me.

http://www.ldonline.org/article/6311

this article describes me as a kid in a nutshell...only now I am still the same way and am an adult.

Quick to understand, slow to respond.....
The story of my life.

No, unfortunately stimulants will not help executive dysfunction. Or that it can only help to a limited extent.

There is a drug called Aricept. That might help a little, improve working memory, etc. Some other drugs might help the emotional side.

Inattentiveness is a different thing I can explain if you like.

I have some troubles with it. For some things if I'm not told specifically what to do I won't get it or know how to do it. For instance, it took several repeats from my mom to tell me how to use the new washing machine. Also I have very little experience when it comes to knowing how to live independently and responsibly. I don't really know how to pay bills, or manage money or any of that (sometimes I can't find my money, or even lose it) and I don't have a credit card or bank account. Since my mom doesn't teach me these things I don't know how to do them. Even so I'd probably need a lot of practice to learn it. I probably should start pestering her so I can learn how to live responsibly, but I keep putting it off. (obsessions are more important. ) I'm nowhere near ready to start living on my own even though I'm 22. A lot of people my age probably have already moved out or are starting to. Me, I feel like I won't be ready for another 5-10 years.

well i think we all know how well i function executively

i dont really care if i function up to everyone elsessss functionining anymore, its the only way to live i tell you

Oh geez! I obviously need some sleep. I could have sworn the title said Erectile Dysfunction. Not kidding.

...and yes I have been told I'm dyslexic

I believe I have this. I also have a lot trouble with projects or open ended assignments, both with planning my time and brainstorming. I always have a dreadful time getting started. I’m plenty creative when it comes to my own interests, but it can’t be something forced on me.

I also have a tendency to let things go. I can’t be bothered to collect my mail every day. Really hate having to go through the junk that gets sent to me. Even planning my meals can be a major dilemma some days. I detest shopping for food. Also hate doing the laundry. Even folding my clothes is a major bother some days. I sometimes wish I had a maid that did everything for me. I don’t know if my extreme reluctance to do “mundane” activities is mostly emotional or something else. It is a major source of depression for me.