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Executive Dysfunction

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Executive Functioning Disorder CHECKLIST

The Executive Function System is one of several systems in the brain. It is responsible for higher order processes that enable us to plan, sequence, initiate and sustain our behavior toward some goal, incorporate feedback and make adjustments. This system helps us manage processes needed in order to solve problems and attain future goals. A disorder of this brain system might include difficulty with organizational skills, planning, future-oriented behavior, self-regulation, selective attention, maintenance of attention or vigilance, inhibition and creativity.

* Common Characteristics: Acts as if “future-blind”, i.e., not working toward the future, having no goal
* May start projects without planning for necessary materials
* May not leave enough time to complete projects
* May skip steps in a multi-step task, lack of sequencing
* May have difficulty relating a story chronologically
* May “jump the gun” socially
* May forget to prioritize or rank needs within time limit, i.e., wasting time doing a small project and failing to do a big project
* May have difficulty identifying what material to record in note-taking
* May lose important papers or possessions as a lack of organization
* May fail to turn in completed work
* May create unrealistic schedule
* Difficulty getting started on tasks, which can be misinterpreted as oppositional behavior
* May appear distractible and/or impulsive
* May pick smaller, immediate reward over larger, delayed reward (lack of delayed gratification)
* May run out of time / no established pace
* May have difficulty making transitions and/or coping with unforeseen events
* Doesn’t self-monitor to insure all steps are completed
* Doesn’t check pace of work or check work before submitting it
* May exhibit inappropriate or over-reactive response to situations
* May start tasks but not finish them
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