Executive Functioning in Teens: The Basics
We now know that the teenage years bring rapid transformation of the brain. In particular, executive functioning skills (the cognitive processes responsible for planning and decision making), become increasingly important as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. While there are many theories on how executive functioning develops in teens, one of the more prominent theories comes from Dr. Russell Barkley, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He's one of the key leaders in ADHD research and I'm super grateful for his work.
Dr. Barkley says that executive functioning skills in teens develop in two distinct phases. The first phase, the “pre-executive phase”, begins around the age of 11 and is characterized by a period of increasingly complex and flexible thinking. During this phase, teens begin to understand cause and effect relationships, develop problem-solving abilities, and become better able to regulate their emotions.
The second phase, the “executive phase”, begins around the age of 14 and is characterized by the emergence of more advanced executive functioning skills. During this phase, teens become better able to plan ahead, prioritize tasks, and manage their time. They also become better able to manage their emotions, understand the consequences of their actions, and self-monitor their behavior.
A teen with ADHD will exhibit some amount of delay in the development of executive functioning. As with any other skill, however, practice is key. There are several strategies that can help young adults (and just plain adults) develop and strengthen executive functioning, even when there is a developmental delay. As a coach, I work with clients to assess executive functioning strengths and weaknesses. We then work together to choose strategies that will help them reach their individual goals. I believe in letting the client lead, so that they are the owners of their goals and achievements. I am simply a guide on a journey. It's a beautiful journey. Man, I love my work.