IQ vs Executive Functioning

Ever wondered why some highly intelligent individuals struggle with certain tasks? It's not just about IQ (Intelligence Quotient), but also about Executive Functioning.

IQ measures cognitive intelligence through standardised tests, evaluating various domains like reasoning, memory, math, and language comprehension. On the other hand, Executive Functioning is the 'manager' of cognitive processes, overseeing planning, organization, adaptability, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. It's more to do with our daily lives.

The key difference? IQ assesses broad intelligence, while Executive Functioning zooms in on self-regulation, planning, and organizing thoughts and behaviors. Both are crucial, but deficits or strengths in one don't predict strengths or weaknesses in the other.

For many autistic and ADHD individuals, executive functioning can be challenging, impacting traditional IQ assessments. Recognising this is crucial for providing appropriate support and managing expectations.

Cognitive abilities go beyond IQ and Executive Functioning. Emotional intelligence, social skills, and creativity are vital too. They all form different parts of our cognitive ability, which is why you can't always tell how able someone is by one single type of test alone.