Advice or share experiences w/ executive dysfunction

[MommaKat4]

I have a 16 yr daughter with the challenges of impulse control as well as time management and organization.

Please share things you’ve tried and had success with. Ty

[Pennywink]

The book "Smart but Scattered" by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare has been really helpful in dealing with my son's (and our family's) executive functioning issues. I think there is out now "Smart but Scattered Teens", directly about teenagers with these issues. It was recommended to me both by the school psychologist and a family member who is also a psychologist.

Otherwise, analog clocks & timers, dry erase boards, signs & checklists have really helped us a lot.

[MommaKat4 in reply to Pennywink]

Thank you!! I’m checking out that book now! And I keep thinking we need to move past all that other but alas... you’re right! Thanks a bunch !

[seller]

You don't say if she takes medication for her ADHD, but that would be my first suggestion. Otherwise, try and keep everything as simple and uncluttered as possible. Designate "places" for things - baskets, drawers, etc. You may have to help with this - she may not care if her clothes are on the floor, etc.

[Pajamasam36]

Boundaries boundaries boundaries. Work best for us.

My 14 year old son is joy functioning at a level to use clocks or white boards yet. We are still at timers and removing privileges. I am hoping one day he will take responsibility for his own life and use white boards, notes lists and alarms but he won’t set them. However if I set a timer he will respond to me removing cell phone time but he has not take. Ownership of his life yet. He still Requires me place his pills in his hand with a cup of water. He sees very little value in raking pills or in getting good grades or having order in his room or wearing clean clothes. I k ow as he matures these things will change but he has 6 different diagnosis that place him in a 3-5 year delay in executive function and cognitive processing.

We did get Disney circle which has taken care of internet, Xbox and all screen time regulation. This has helped me not have to yell at him so much which in turn helps our relationship. It is a 100 dollar investment and worth every penny! Best of luck! Boundaries are the beest tool we have. It requires consistency and follow through from me but in the end I know he will be a better student and a better adult so he can move out and have his own place. This is our goal for him. Best of luck! Stay strong!

[seller in reply to Pajamasam36]

Please try and lower your expectations.....this is the only thing that has kept me sane as my own ADHD son moves slowly into adulthood! I think I have mostly given up comparing him to either other non-ADHD kids his age or to myself at his age. These comparisons do nothing but cause frustration! He will most likely need your oversight until he is much, much older. This has nothing to do with actual intelligence - my son is now finally in college full time and doing very well, but he's 23 and it's taken years to get to this place. I agree that firm boundaries and enforcing a few rules are the key here. Don't get caught up having to do things for him.....take my word for it: he will know what to do when he wants to!

[normanadhdadult]

As an adult with ADHD I use a white noise machine to block distracting ambient sounds. That is a major tool for me and executive functioning. Plus taking Desipramine 50-75MG is a huge help.(I only use Sandoz manufacturer because the alternative mfg does not work for me) It is an anti-depressant but it makes a big difference for my ADHD.

I also limit my social activity. I'm an outgoing person but I control distractions by limiting my interactions. Instead of visiting people I talk on the phone with them. This saves me a ton of time. Do I ever visit and go out? Yes, but I limit it to only a few occasions here and there.

Hope these help.

[MommaKat4 in reply to normanadhdadult]

Thank you. This is very interesting. I can totally see both things as being beneficial.