The 13 Executive Function Skills: Why the Order Matters - 140

That long list of struggles isn't one flaw. It's thirteen skills, and every one of them can be developed.

In this episode, DrB separates ADHD symptoms from executive function skills, walks through all thirteen in plain language, and explains why the order they're built in matters. You'll also get a simple prediction exercise to start practicing metacognition today. There's nothing broken here. Some skills just haven't been taught yet.

Key Points Covered

• The difference between the three ADHD symptoms and the executive function skills, in DrB's experience, and why attention alone doesn't build the rest.
• Why planners and to-do advice fall off: they tell you what to do without teaching the skill.
• A plain-language tour of all 13 skills, from metacognition and inhibiting to working memory and maintaining achievements.
• Why metacognition comes first: you can see without acting, and every skill gives you choice.
• Emotional control as thinking control: we are the meaning makers.
• Why the order matters, and a metacognition exercise: predict a movie, then predict your day.
  
  

Links Mentioned

1. drbarbaracohen.com — All episodes + show resources

2. It Was Never You:   Why Capable, Successful Adults Keep Hitting the Same Wall
   October 20, 2026, 10 am – 2 pm pacific time + VIP hour:  https://itwasneveryoumasterclass.com/  

3. Get Sh*t Done (GSD) Program Information – 9-month program
   https://www.drbarbaracohen.com/gsdprogram 

4. Grant assistance page for help with funding for GSD program:
   https://www.drbarbaracohen.com/financial-assistance 

5. The Transformation Club (TTC) – if time or money commitments have been holding you back - the affordable membership program for Executive Function skills development:
   https://www.drbarbaracohen.com/ttcprogram 

6. Free PDF - 13 Signs Weak Executive Functioning Is Holding You Back:
   https://www.drbarbaracohen.com/Executive-Function 

7. Follow me on DrB Facebook Page and enjoy live videos and more

8. Follow me on Instagram and enjoy relevant resources

9. Join me on the free group on Skool (instead of the Facebook group).  Here's the link to request to join:  https://www.skool.com/giftedadultslivingbeyondadhd/about
   
   

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