Understanding ADHD and Executive Functioning in Kids and Teens
- Caitlin McNally, LCSW
- Oct 15
- 3 min read
ADHD gets a lot of buzz these days. If you’ve made it to this post, you’re probably concerned that someone young in your life may be struggling with attention, organization, or emotional regulation — and you’re looking for clarity and support.
Let’s start by exploring what executive functioning challenges and ADHD can look like in everyday life.
What Is Executive Functioning?
Executive functioning works like the CEO of the brain, keeping all the “departments” — planning, organization, focus, time management, and emotional control — communicating and working together to get things done.
There’s ongoing debate in the field about how many executive functions exist — some experts believe there may be over 30 distinct skills.
When these skills aren’t working efficiently, everyday tasks can feel harder than they should. Kids may struggle to complete homework, follow directions, transition between activities, or manage frustration when things don’t go as planned.
How Executive Functioning Relates to ADHD
ADHD is the only diagnosis in the DSM-5 that identifies difficulties specifically related to executive functioning. While symptoms often overlap, each child or teen has a unique profile, and the areas where support is needed can vary widely.
For example:
One child might have trouble getting started or remembering assignments.
Another may act impulsively or get easily frustrated.
Someone else may hyperfocus on topics they love but struggle to switch gears when it’s time to move on.
In other words, ADHD is not one-size-fits-all — and neither is the path to helping kids thrive.
Understanding the ADHD Brain
One important thing to know is that the ADHD brain develops roughly 30% more slowly in areas responsible for executive functioning. This means a 10-year-old with ADHD may function more like a typical 7-year-old in organization, planning, or emotional control.
The younger years can feel especially challenging — not because children aren’t trying, but because their brains simply aren’t ready to handle the same demands as their peers.
The hopeful news is that this developmental “lag” often becomes an advantage with age. As the ADHD brain matures, many individuals retain their creativity, energy, and curiosity while gaining the structure and insight that come with time and experience. It’s one reason many adults with ADHD go on to become passionate leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
The Good News:
Executive Functioning Can Improve
Executive functioning skills can absolutely be strengthened. With the right support — through therapy, coaching, structure, and understanding — kids and teens can learn strategies that make life feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Dr. Edward Hallowell, in his book ADHD Explained: Your Toolkit to Understanding and Thriving, describes ADHD as “driving a Ferrari with bicycle brakes.” The brain moves fast — full of energy, creativity, and ideas — but it can struggle to slow down or shift focus when needed.
He also reminds us that effort isn’t the issue.
Telling someone with ADHD to “try harder” is like telling a nearsighted person to “squint harder.” It’s not about effort — it’s about giving the brain the right tools and support to work at its best.
How Therapy Can Help Strengthen
Executive Functioning
Therapy isn’t about “fixing” ADHD or eliminating challenges — it’s about helping kids and teens understand how their brain works and develop tools that make everyday life easier and more fulfilling.
In therapy, we focus on building awareness, strategies, and confidence. Kids learn to recognize situations that are challenging and discover strategies that help them succeed. They might break big tasks into smaller steps, use timers or visuals, or develop routines that keep them on track.
Therapy also supports the emotional side of ADHD — helping kids manage frustration, self-doubt, or the feeling that they’re “different.” With guidance, they start to see that their struggles don’t define them.
Parents play a critical role, too. By understanding how their child’s brain processes the world, they can shift from frustration (“Why can’t you just focus?”) to understanding (“This task is hard for your brain — let’s figure out what might help”). That shift creates a calmer, more compassionate home environment where children feel supported rather than criticized.
Supporting Your Child’s Growth
While ADHD can bring challenges, it also comes with remarkable strengths — imagination, creativity, curiosity, and passion. With the right support, kids and teens can learn to channel their energy, focus their ideas, and follow through on what inspires them most.
Therapy provides a space to develop practical strategies, awareness, and confidence, while helping parents understand how their child’s brain works.
Every child’s brain is different — and that’s a good thing. When we recognize and nurture those differences, kids can thrive in school, relationships, and beyond. If you’re ready to help your child strengthen executive functioning skills and feel more in control, reach out. Together, we can turn their unique way of thinking into a source of strength.
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