ADHD Through Science and Culture – Executive Function Explained
- Tanya Murphy
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
Naming What Has Always Been There
Many people in faith-based and historically marginalized communities have lived with ADHD symptoms for generations—long before there was language, diagnosis, or access to care. What was often labeled as laziness, defiance, disorganization, attitude, or lack of discipline is now understood through neuroscience as differences in executive function.
Executive function is not about intelligence, character, or effort. It is about how the brain manages attention, emotion, memory, and action—especially under stress.
When we pair science with culture and faith, understanding replaces shame.
What Is Executive Function?
Executive function refers to a set of brain-based skills primarily managed by the prefrontal cortex. These skills help us:
Start tasks
Plan and organize
Regulate emotions
Manage time
Shift attention
Follow through
In ADHD, these functions develop differently. Research shows this is linked to dopamine regulation and neural connectivity—not motivation or morality.
How Executive Function Challenges Show Up in Community Life
Science says: Difficulty with task initiation and working memory.
Often seen as:
“They always wait until the last minute.”
“They have so much potential if they’d just apply themselves.”
Culturally informed reframe:
“Their brain needs clearer starting cues and support with follow-through.”
Science says: Emotional regulation is an executive function skill.
Often seen as:
“Too sensitive”
“Disrespectful tone”
“Anger issues”
Faith- and culture-aware reframe:
“Their nervous system escalates quickly; calm and safety help them regulate.”
Science says: Time blindness is common in ADHD.
Often seen as:
Chronic lateness
Missed deadlines
Inconsistent attendance
Community reframe:
“They struggle with time estimation, not commitment.”
Scripture, Strength, and Neurodiversity
Throughout Scripture, we see God working through people who did not fit social expectations—individuals who were impulsive, emotionally intense, distractible, or misunderstood.
God does not demand neurotypical performance. He meets people within their design.
When communities understand ADHD through science and culture, they become places of refuge rather than judgment.
Why This Matters
Misunderstood ADHD often leads to:
Spiritual shame
Academic punishment instead of support
Behavioral discipline rather than accommodation
Generational trauma around learning and behavior
Understanding executive function changes how we respond—not just to ADHD, but to one another.
Click below for our series information on ADHD Through Science and Culture.
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