Executive Function in FVSD

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What Might Executive Function Difficulties Look Like?

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Executive function difficulties can affect many aspects of everyday life. An individual may:

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• Forget instructions, appointments, or important information

• Lose track of belongings

• Struggle to plan or organise activities

• Have difficulty starting tasks

• Become overwhelmed by multi-step instructions

• Find it difficult to manage time effectively

• Have trouble prioritising tasks

• Struggle to switch between activities

• Need frequent reminders or prompts

• Find changes to routines challenging

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These difficulties are often hidden and may be misunderstood as laziness, lack of motivation, carelessness, or poor behaviour. In reality, they reflect differences in how the brain processes and organises information.

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Memory, Attention and Processing

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Executive functioning works closely with attention, memory, and information processing. Difficulties in these areas are commonly reported in individuals affected by fetal valproate exposure.

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Some individuals may find it difficult to:

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• Hold information in mind while completing a task

• Follow verbal instructions

• Remember information that has been recently given

• Concentrate for long periods

• Process information quickly​

• Apply learning from one situation to another

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These challenges can affect learning, communication, problem-solving, and independent living.

Everyday Impact

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Executive function difficulties may influence:

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• School, college, and university studies

• Organisation of work or daily activities

• Household tasks and responsibilities

• Managing appointments and healthcare

• Travel and community access

• Budgeting and money management

• Maintaining routines and independence

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The impact varies considerably between individuals. Some people may need only occasional support, while others require ongoing assistance with planning, organisation, and daily living.

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Looking Beyond Difficulties

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Executive function difficulties do not define a person's abilities or potential. Many individuals with FVSD possess strengths, talents, creativity, determination, and unique ways of thinking. Understanding executive function differences allows families, educators, employers, and professionals to provide support that builds upon these strengths and promotes independence.