Executive Function


I have several phone calls to make. I have laundry to do. I am fixing Riley’s supplements. Where was I? Oh…I was going to call Lidi to see how she’s holding up since her dog died.

Watching me spin my wheels, trying to decide what to do first, Riley says, “Mom, I think you have a little autism.”

Curious about where she is going with this, I say casually, “You do? Why?”

“Well…because you had me, and I have autism, and you are having executive function issues.”

Here is where I did the blank mommy, “You don’t say?” kind of face. Give nothing away. Do not laugh. Do not smirk. Oh my God she’s so cute. Do not laugh.

We discussed executive function issues the other day, after she spilled a whole glass of water on the table, where my laptop sat, but proceeded to sit down and eat her snack, rather than clean it up, because she was hungry. Made sense to her. Todd, who has worked in hospitals for the last 20 years commented that day, “It’s like she has no triage ability.” After it happened, I explained to her how she is not a bad person for doing this, but it is something we need to work on, because despite all her awesomeness, she does have challenges in executive function. We focus on her gifts, yes, but we also need to keep bringing up the rear, you know?

She adds, “Plus, we kind of look alike.”

Smiling at her I say, “Riley, if I am like you at all then I’m glad because you are awesome.”

She flashes her sweet smile.

Truly…how did I get such an incredible kid? I adore her. I want ten more just like her. Okay…I admit, that last sentence was a bit overboard, even for me.

But every day, I just enjoy her more. 

Now, where was I?

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8 Responses to Executive Function

  1. Chris V. says:

    so so sweet…. ..

  2. kario says:

    I think every mother has “executive function” issues to some extent. It’s called survival.

    And I love that she not only participates in these discussions, but absorbs their meaning to the point where she can assimilate the ideas into future observations.

    Yup, you two are very much alike. Gorgeous, brilliant creatures that we are lucky to have on this planet!

  3. amber says:

    I agree with Kario. I have it bigtime.

    🙂

  4. naomi says:

    Funny! You too are so sweet.
    Adam has said the same thing to me, “Mom I think you have a little bit of autism”.
    Yep, buddy I’m certain of it 🙂

  5. Courtney says:

    My whole evening last night was devoted to lamenting my own executive function issues! Thanks for making me smile.

  6. Dee Ready says:

    My executive function right now is telling me that getting more sleep tonight would be helpful if I’m going to get any work done tomorrow. But there’s this part of me that so likes to read your blog postings about Riley and Seth and your family, that here I am reading your blog and the comments and thinking, “Wisdom is not a matter of age. It’s a matter of reflecting on our life and seeing the patterns.” Your family does that, Michelle. Thanks for sharing the process.

  7. Tanya Savko says:

    She is cute and insightful (not to mention amazing), and no wonder you want ten more of her!

  8. Carrie Link says:

    Yea, 10 might be a tad much. You really do look alike. Lucky girl.

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