Symptoms of Disordered Executive Functioning

• trouble managing emotions or impulses
• problems with starting, organizing, planning, or completing tasks
• trouble listening or paying attention
• short-term memory issues
• inability to multitask or balance tasks
• socially inappropriate behaviour
• inability to learn from past consequences
• difficulty solving problems
• difficulty learning or processing new information
• Problems with executive function may lead to:
• affected performance at work or school
• difficulty forming or maintaining relationships
• mood issues
• low self-esteem
• avoidance of difficult tasks
• low motivation or loss of interest in activities

Executive function takes time to develop, so many of these behaviours are typical in young children. However, if these behaviours persist, they may indicate that the child has difficulty with executive function.