Executive function (EF) undergoes significant development during childhood and adolescence. It encompasses the capacity to focus attention, absorb, retain, and manipulate information, manage sensory input, maintain task engagement while disregarding distractions, multitask, regulate emotions, and adapt behavior according to environmental changes.

 

Challenges with executive function can manifest in various domains such as academics, career, personal relationships, finances, and self-esteem. Conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dementia, and dyslexia commonly feature deficits in executive function.

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ADHD and ASD, in particular, are prone to misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis due to their complexity. Its prevalence rates in adults and children are 2.5-3% and 5% (ADHD) and

only 1% in both children and adults (ASD), respectively.

ADHD and ASD symptoms are diverse and may overlap with many other clinical and behavioral conditions, making differential diagnosis challenging and comorbidity common.

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Diagnosing ADHD or ASD solely based on symptoms or self-report scales is strongly discouraged. Achieving an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive understanding of an individual's neurodevelopmental history and presentation necessitates the evaluation of IQ profile, executive function data, and a variety of clinical and neurocognitive tests. These assessments are conducted, analyzed, and interpreted by a qualified psychologist.

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​So stay off of Google and TikTok and contact Dr. Joo for your evaluation!