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Executive Function Issues

Issues with executive functioning can manifest as having trouble managing or organizing tasks or even cause hiccups in decision-making among many other issues. The following questions about such problems with executive functioning can help determine when it is time to seek testing and evaluation to reach a professional diagnosis.


Do you or a loved one…


  1. Have trouble starting tasks?
  2. Feel overwhelmed with large projects?
  3. Feel disorganized?
  4. Struggle with time-management?
  5. Often find yourself late to appointments and events?
  6. Have difficulty multitasking?
  7. Often start multiple projects at one time and struggle to complete the initial task at hand?
  8. Struggle to plan and prioritize tasks?
  9. Have trouble with decision-making?
  10. Have difficulty following instruction?
  11. Have difficulty controlling your emotions?
  12. Find it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances?



If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, consider scheduling a neuropsychological evaluation. Call us at (847) 469-7537 to learn more.


Executive functioning refers to the higher order thinking that allows us to complete complex tasks and control our emotions and behaviors. Executive functioning skills also enable us to plan, organize, multitask, and sustain working memory. Executive functioning skills are mediated by the frontal lobe of the brain which continues to develop through early adulthood.  As such, these skills change across the lifespan and gradually develop throughout childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood.


Impaired executive functioning can occur for several reasons, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; commonly referred to as ADD), dementia, pseudodementia, emotional distress (e.g., depression, anxiety), psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), injury to the brain (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation can help to understand the type of executive functioning problem and identify the underlying cause, which subsequently, can help with developing a treatment plan. Treatment used to improve executive functioning skills can include medication, therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. Additionally, understanding the areas of weaknesses can help in developing effective accommodations and environmental changes at school, home, and within the workplace to reach optimal functioning. Thomson Memory & Attention, formerly Thomson Memory Center, can help.


Neuropsychology, and a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, will help explain and determine if an underlying condition, or perhaps multiple underlying conditions, exists. In some circumstances, the executive function difficulties may be better explained by other conditions. Understanding the patient’s strengths and weaknesses can help identify the reason for these issues and aid in creating a customized treatment plan to improve or manage the patient’s cognitive complaints. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome. Our fellowship-trained doctors will be able to pinpoint the underlying cause for these issues.


Check out these pages to learn more: ADD - Adults, ADD - Pediatrics, ADHD - Adults, ADHD - Pediatrics, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behavioral Difficulties, Concussion, Depression, Dyslexia, Epilepsy, Genetic Syndromes, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Neurological Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Vascular Diseases

Brain Fog Issues

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Issues with brain fogginess can look like a difficulty concentrating or staying sharp among other things. The following list of brain fog test questions can help you determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis for cognitive issues. Have you ever experienced any of the following brain fog symptoms: Mental sluggishness Problems concentrating Forgetfulness Finding yourself not as sharp as you once were Problems with recalling names Having words on the tip of your tongue but unable to produce them Changes in your ability to multitask  If you have experienced two or more of these symptoms , consider scheduling a neuropsychological evaluation. Call us at (847)-469-7537 to learn more.

Head Injury Issues

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Head injuries can cause serious and lasting cognitive problems. The following questions can help you determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis for head injuries. Concussion Test: Have you ever experienced any hit to the head or any sudden movement of the head (e.g., whiplash)? Following the head injury, did you experience any of the following: Headaches Migraines Confusion Nausea Brain Fog Dizziness

Social Issues

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Issues with socialization can cause one to struggle understanding social issues or to experience negative feelings towards social situations among other things. The following list of questions about social issues can help you determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis for social problems. Does your child… Struggle to social cues such as facial expressions or body language? Find it difficult to understand jokes? Sarcasm? Tend to be shy or timid and neglect to speak when spoken to? Actively avoid certain places or activities? Fear that something bad will happen to themselves or others? Have problems spending the night away from home? Experience fear or anxiety if they have to perform/speak in front of others? Have habits or behaviors that seem ritualistic that they must do over and over (e.g., line up things, wash hands over and over)? Form strong attachments to everyday items or objects so much so that it can be hard to part with or let go of them? Neglect to play with other children? Have emotional reactions when they have to change activities or if their routine is disrupted? Misperceive situations or take too many things to heart (e.g., wears their heart on their sleeve)?

Behavioral Issues

By websitebuilder • July 7, 2021
Behavioral issues can manifest as acting out or a resistance to authority among other symptoms. The following questions about behavioral issues can help determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis for behavior problems. Does your child or loved one… Have an explosive or violent temper? Have verbal or physical outbursts? Oftentimes "lose control” or exhibit destructive behavior? Taken things from people that don’t belong to them? Lie to get things their way or things they want? Find him or herself easily annoyed by others? Complain that they are not treated fairly? Frequently argue with adults or people in charge? Throw temper tantrums? Ever become uncooperative or stubborn and struggle to follow rules? Act out and cause problems at school or at activities outside of the home? Refuse to do what is asked of them when it comes to schoolwork or chores? Ever become moody?

Attention Issues

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Issues with attention can manifest as experiencing difficulty staying on task, focusing, and managing one's time among many other things. The following questions about attention issues can help you determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis. Do you or a loved one… Have difficulties paying attention or concentrating? Avoid starting new important tasks? Sometimes begin a task but never end up completing it? Find it difficult to tune into the conversation you are having when there are others happening around you? Have the impulse to jump or interject into a conversation as soon as a thought strikes you? Make careless mistakes because a task is boring, repetitive, or difficult? Ever feel restless or find yourself fidgeting? Have a hard time retaining information? Need to take breaks regularly? Sometimes forget something you were just told? Struggle concentrating when speaking with others? Frequently misplace items or have difficulty finding them? Easily become distracted by other motion or movement in the room? Find yourself typically distracted? Have difficulties managing your time? Find yourself drifting off even when you are trying to pay attention?
Memory Problems & Issues

Memory Issues

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The following list of questions for memory problems can help you determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis for memory issues. Are you or a loved one forgetting recent conversations? Forgetting to complete tasks? Forgetting the reason for entering a room?
Learning Difficulties

Learning Issues

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The following list of questions for learning difficulties can help you determine when it’s time to seek a professional diagnosis. Does your child or loved one fall behind in school and struggle to learn?
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