8 Types of Executive Function (And What To Do When They Go Wrong) | Neurodivergent Magic

You've probably heard of executive dysfunction, but did you know there are actually 8 types of executive function, and each type can be dysfunctional in its own way? In this video, we talk about the 8 executive functions, how they can go wrong, and what you can do to cope.

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😊 Hi, I'm Megan Griffith, I'm a neurodivergent life coach and content creator on a mission to help neurodivergent folks embrace their strengths, cope with their struggles, and be their true, authentic selves.

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[eg]

body doubling is the only way I survived college and I didnt know what it was I just said I work better when others are around me bc it holds me accountable

[joeboxter]

1. Impulse - interrupt
2. Emotional control - EFT tap difficult
3. Flexible Think - black/white think
4. Work memory - context change write things down
5. Self monitoring - identity monitor use journaling.
6.* Task initiation - use momentum.
7. Plan and prioritize - write down and organize
8.* Organize things. Body Doubling! Work around others who will help hold you accountable.

[kanvaarchana]

1. Impulse control - accept or turn them away is ur choice.
Poor impulse control - turning it down or everything has to b done now.
Learn to trust urself
2. Emotional regulation-
Feelings over whelm
Emotional freedom techniques
3. Flexible things struggling-
Either everything is black or white but nothing in between
4.working memory-
hold the info in head without loosing the previous info.
Best to write things down.
5.self monitoring- identity issue
Hard time monitoring sense of self - every situation feels like this is who u are when in different situations we act differently.
6. Time monitoring- can't kepe track of time
Keep track of progress and a the person through journaling will help with identity and time monitoring
7.taks initiation - can't start things -
Just can't start the thing we want to do!
Strategy is mometum - back off from the task that is different
8. Plan and prioritise- organise break down and plan according. If it's over whelming - than u have an issue with it.
Poor organsisation - It's when u don't understand what category u put your things into.

[boldanujin]

Ok, this was hands down the best video explaining executive functioning I've seen. This is the first time I realized just how much of the stuff I struggle with is related to this. I always thought struggling with impulse control and emotional regulation automatically meant somebody extremely impulsive or having angry outbursts 20 times a day, which I absolutely do not relate to. This is the first time I learned that it could also mean the opposite as well - suppressing every impulse and emotion. And suddenly it's a perfect fit. I struggle with almost all the 8 categories, a lot, and never knew they were all related. Thank you so much for making this video, it was really helpful!

[HectoGames]

6:30 sometimes the reason i cant start tasks is because i know i would be able to spend lots of time doing it and i dont want to do that because then i cant do other things (just a thought) like "wow the dishes need to be done but i dont wanna lose 45 minutes to that" even though i need to

[terraroze]

My impulse control doesn't come from a lack of self-trust, it comes from a lack of dopamine. I feel like I have to do the things that help me feel good because I'm starving for dopamine.

[RachelBehrends]

I realize this video was made a few years ago, but I want to say that this is the most helpful video on executive function I have seen. I didn’t always know how to help my ASD kiddo because I didn’t realize there are multiple types of executive dysfunction. Your ideas are so helpful. Thank you for sharing!

[casebeth]

I use a short walk as a catalyst to do the thing. It's one thing that really helps me build momentum.

[jordonlongley]

I believe there is no such thing as laziness in 99% of cases. It’s almost always explainable by some sort of mental health problem.

[dlollard]

Interesting that repressing impulses and emotions is also a form of executive dysfunction. This explains me in my teens, 20's, oof. Super relatable video and thanks for this.

[leahiamhopesulony]

6:30 the moment I had to rewind to because I got distracted as I imagined myself at a nearby book store or Office Depot (whichever I could get to fastest) to buy a new journal with a lock because my existing journals bore me or don't have the right textured paper for my pens 🤷🤦🤣🤣🤣...now off to the store to get a new journal!

[ReadingDave]

This is fantastic! You outlined the executive functions which I should probably write down because I have trouble keeping them in my head, and you suggested nonmedicated ways of dealing with them. And you did this in a consumable amount of time! Great job. Thank you for making such an excellent helpful video.

[witchypoo]

I have STPD (Schizotypal PD) Idk if this would count as issues with flexible thinking, but I often struggle with thinking too abstractly. I can forget basic things about my personality & pick apart the concept of reality to such an extent that I disassociate or have a panic attack & I struggle to function. It’s like living in a dream where you don’t really exist. I struggle to even make simple decisions in these moments because a lack of black & white thinking

[AEM]

❤ Why are you so awesome & comforting??!! 😊 And educational!!! ❤ Thank you SO MUCH!!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[Deba]

Thank you, this was very helpful, I watched it twice & shared with my girls!

[rb]

It’s weird because half of these things I really struggle with and the other half are things that I’m exceptionally good at. For example, planning and flexible thinking are two of my biggest strengths, while working memory, task initially, and time monitoring are a constant struggle.

[Freeduradura]

Impulse control is big for me: I feel pressure to do it and sometimes it terrifies me. I even begin to say I don’t trust myself because I can flip and do totally opposite to my original plan. Knowing I have great logic yet manage to flip it and act irrationally when the feeling hit is frustrating.

[papi_manny]

body doubling, I am gonna have to try that. I think I have done it once, but my friends referred to it as co-studying and it worked super well. I am definitely going to be using that from now on.

[mariuszwisla]

I came up with a strategy to deal with planning, and organization disfunction. Idea was based those instrusive thoughts happening when depressed, that makes us invent chains of events leading to our doom. So I think about possible issues with planning and organization ahead using made up situations as basis to practise, to be prepared if it happens. Disfunction kicks hardest when suprised. With emotional disregulation I do sort of mantra to avoid loosing it, and outbursting on someone. I keep saying in my head "It is what it is", because we can't change now what is upsetting us because we are to unblananced, so first we have to calm down. It proofed me against guilt tripping used by bosses to make you do more work as well

[haraluppnow]

Thank you Megan, this is such a practical clear guide, I am loving your content!