Executive Functioning Deficits: Planning and Organization
Executive functioning deficitscan cause impairment in many different areas, including time management, controlling emotions and planning and organization. We will be discussing planning and organization this week. In future weeks, we will discuss time management and controlling emotions.
Everything we do involves planning and organization. No matter what the task, no matter how small or big, we use each of the following steps (some steps we repeat throughout the task):
Setting a goal
Creating a strategy
Managing and organizing resources (including thoughts and ideas)
Monitoring our progress
Simple tasks, and those that we complete on a regular basis, may seem as if these steps are skipped over, but even the smallest tasks involve planning. Take, for example, walking to the mailbox to pick up the mail:
Goal:To retrieve the mail from the mailbox at the end of the driveway
Strategy: Walk to mailbox, without being distracted by something else and get mail
Organize resources:Will need shoes, coat if during cold months
Monitoring progress:Did you complete the task in a timely manner?
As you can see, no matter what the task, we use planning and organization. The more complicated, the more planning and organization required. So, when these skills are lacking, it can impair our ability to complete many different tasks and projects. Often, children and adults with difficulties in the areas of planning and organization are seen as unmotivated or lazy.
The following are fifteen tips to help if you have problems with planning and organization:
Use a checklist for activities and tasks you must self-monitor
Keep a written schedule of what you need to accomplish
Use structure as much as possible
Break down large or long-term projects into smaller parts
Minimize distractions
Alternate activities with quiet time
Reduce clutter to open up desk space
Use computers to type assignments as much as possible
Use an ADHD Coach
Limit noise within your working space
Use color-coding to help organize papers
Try to work away from open doors or from windows to minimize distractions
与你保持纸和笔写下assignments or instructions
Take time to prioritize your work
Use earplugs or a headset when working on independent projects
In addition, you may want to speak your plans out loud. This can help you to be more focused on what you need to do. As you continue to do this you may find that you can quietly state your plans, rather that speaking them aloud.
For more information:
How ADHD Impairs Executive Functioning
How ADHD Symptoms Manifest in Adults
Twenty Five Tips for Time Management for Adults with ADHD
Sources:
"Lazy Kid or Executive Dysfunction", 2002, Tracy Landon and Linda Oggel, LD Online
"Managing Executive Function Disorders", 2007, Donna Geffner, Ph.D., ADHD Convention, St. John's University, N.Y.
