Prefrontal Cortex

The PFC (which is the more specific term used to identify the area related closely to executive dysfunction) controls the following human functions:

Underactivity in Pre Frontal Cortex leads to:

• Short Attention Span
• Impulsivity
• Procrastination (lack of motivation or internal reward systems)
• Disorganization (trouble working through long term goals)
• Poor Judgement (inability to understand social rules)
• Negative Attitude (leading to a lack of motivation)
• Conflict Seeking

• Attention span
• Judgement
• Impulse control
• Organization
• Forward thinking
• Internal supervision

Many researchers have conducted Spect scans that have shown the PFC to be immature in autistic children (Spect scans show blood flow) and the frontal lobes have been found to be thicker in autistic children.

The PFC is inhibitory - it sends messages to other areas of the brain to calm down. If the PFC is underactive, other areas of the brain may become overactive. For instance, if the PFC does not keep control over the parietal lobes, the parietal lobes will become overactive and one's sensory experiences will in turn increase, resulting in hypersensitivy to external (environmental) stimuli.

Children who have PFC problems are often helped by stimulant medications like Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall and Cylert.