By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – August 3, 2026
ADHD is widely recognized as a disorder of executive function, but what does that actually mean? More importantly, is there a difference between executive function and executive skills? While these terms are often used interchangeably, understanding the distinction can dramatically change how you approach ADHD challenges and find solutions that actually work.
Many people with ADHD spend years trying to improve skills like organization, time management, planning, or prioritization. Yet despite learning countless strategies, they often continue to struggle. Why? Because strengthening a skill isn’t always enough if the underlying executive functions needed to support that skill aren’t working efficiently.
In this episode of Attention Talk Radio, ADHD coach Jeff Copper sits down with renowned neuropsychologist Dr. George McCloskey (www.georgemccloskeyphd.com) to explore this often-overlooked distinction. Together, they discuss how executive functions serve as the brain’s self-management system—the internal processes that guide, direct, and regulate behavior—while executive skills are the observable abilities that emerge from those processes.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. McCloskey explains why focusing only on visible skills can sometimes miss the real source of the problem. By learning to identify which executive functions are breaking down, individuals with ADHD can better understand why they struggle in certain situations and begin developing accommodations and strategies that address the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
The discussion also explores practical implications for parents, educators, coaches, clinicians, and adults with ADHD. Understanding this distinction can help shift the focus from simply trying harder to thinking differently about problem-solving. Instead of repeatedly practicing a skill that never seems to stick, you may discover that supporting the underlying executive functions leads to more meaningful and lasting improvement.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with ADHD, or simply looking for a deeper understanding of how the ADHD brain works, this episode offers valuable insights that can reshape the way you think about executive functioning. If you’re searching for more effective ways to manage ADHD, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
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