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AUTISM GLOSSARY
Executive Dysfunction
DEFINITION
Executive dysfunction refers to difficulty with the cognitive processes involved in planning, initiating, organizing, and completing tasks. It affects time management, transitions, starting tasks, and managing multiple steps.
WHY IT MATTERS
Executive dysfunction is one of the most disabling aspects of autism and ADHD in daily life. It affects school, work, and self-care in ways that are often invisible to others.
COMMON MISCONCEPTION
Executive dysfunction is not procrastination or laziness. A person can want to do a task, understand how to do it, and still be unable to start it due to executive dysfunction. This is neurological, not motivational.