Executive Functions: Supporting the Brain's CEO
Understanding the 7 pillars of executive function and how to build 'External Prosthetics' for them.
Building an External Brain
In ADHD therapy, Psychoeducation on Executive Functions is the foundation. You cannot "Talk" your way into better focus. You must Engineer your way into it.
The Prosthetic Approach:
If a person loses a leg, we give them a prosthetic. We don't ask them to "hope" for a new leg. If your Working Memory is poor, we give you an External RAM (a sticky note, a phone alert).
The 3 Golden Rules of EF Support:
1. Make it Visual: If you can't see the deadline (on a wall, on a timer), it doesn't exist.
2. Make it Immediate: A reward that is 1 month away has NO value to an ADHD brain. Find a way to celebrate *winning the hour*.
3. Make it External: Don't rely on your "Internal Voice" to remember. Rely on the "Alarm Sound."