Conquering Executive Dysfunction: A Neurodivergent Mom’s Guide
So, it turns out you’re not just a “scatterbrained” mom who can’t find her keys (again!). Nope, you’re a neurodivergent superhero, rocking a brain that’s wired a little differently. And while that diagnosis might have been a lightbulb moment, explaining a lifetime of “huh?”, it probably also unleashed a whole new wave of questions and challenges.
If you’re anything like the moms I work with, you might be feeling a mix of emotions right now. Relief that there’s finally a name for your struggles, but also overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information out there. You might be wondering, “Where do I even start?”
Well, mom, you’re in the right place. We’re here to guide you through this wild and wonderful world of neurodivergence, one step at a time. And today, we’re tackling a topic that’s near and dear to many of our hearts: executive dysfunction.
What the Heck is Executive Function?
Think of executive function as your brain’s control panel. It’s the command center for all those essential mental skills that help us navigate life: planning, organizing, starting and finishing tasks, managing time, and keeping those impulses in check (like the urge to buy ALL the cute animal socks).
But for us neurodivergent moms, this control panel can be a bit… glitchy. It’s like trying to bake a cake with a wonky oven – sometimes it works perfectly, and other times, well, let’s just say you end up with a very interesting culinary creation.
Executive Dysfunction: The Neurodivergent Mom’s Nemesis
Here are a few ways executive dysfunction might be showing up in your life:
- Getting Started: Procrastination is our BFF. We know we should be doing something, but our brains are like, “Nah, let’s scroll through funny cat memes instead.” Or maybe you’re staring at a blank page, unable to start that project you’ve been meaning to tackle for weeks.
- Staying Focused: Squirrel! Our brains are like puppies chasing shiny objects, easily distracted by notifications, that pile of laundry, or the sudden urge to rearrange the pantry. You might find yourself jumping from task to task, never quite finishing anything.
- Finishing What We Start: We’re the queens of starting projects, but finishing them? That’s a whole other story. It’s like we’re on an epic quest, but we keep getting sidetracked by interesting side quests (or maybe just a really good nap).
- Time Management: If time were a magical creature, ours would be a mischievous fairy, constantly flitting away and leaving us wondering where the heck it went. You might find yourself constantly running late, missing deadlines, or feeling like there’s never enough time in the day.
- Organization: Our homes often look like a tornado hit a glitter factory. It’s not that we don’t want to be organized, it’s just that our brains seem to have an aversion to order and structure. You might struggle with keeping track of appointments, remembering where you put things, or just generally feeling overwhelmed by the chaos.
Mom, You’re Not Alone!
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many neurodivergent moms struggle with executive dysfunction. It’s a common challenge, but it’s not one you have to face alone.
Remember, you’re not broken, you’re just wired differently. And that’s something to be celebrated, not ashamed of. Your neurodivergent brain is capable of amazing things, and with the right tools and support, you can learn to manage executive dysfunction and thrive.
Hacking Your Brain’s Control Panel
In our next post, we’ll dive into practical tips and strategies for managing executive dysfunction like a boss. We’ll explore everything from time management hacks to organizational systems that actually work for neurodivergent brains. We’ll also share self-care tips to help you recharge and avoid burnout.
In the meantime, remember to be kind to yourself. This is a journey, not a race. And we’re here to support you every step of the way.
You’ve got this, mom!
Kori
