How does ADHD impact planning and organization skills?

PostedSeptember 30, 2025

UpdatedOctober 6, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD planning problems are a significant challenge for individuals with the condition. Planning and organisation are key executive functions that allow people to set goals, prioritise tasks, and follow through on projects. For those with ADHD, these skills are often impaired, leading to difficulties in both personal and professional life.

ADHD disorganization is a common symptom, making it hard to maintain a structured environment. People with ADHD may struggle to keep track of tasks, miss deadlines, or forget important appointments. This disorganisation can be particularly frustrating, as it can lead to inefficiency and stress in daily activities.

Common Symptoms

Executive Planning Deficits ADHD

One of the main issues with ADHD planning problems is executive planning deficits ADHD. This involves difficulty in setting up tasks or breaking them into smaller, manageable steps. As a result, individuals may find it hard to start projects or keep them organised, often leading to incomplete or delayed work.

Organisational Skills ADHD

Another key symptom is poor organisational skills ADHD. Individuals with ADHD may have trouble keeping their workspace or home organised, losing track of important items or documents. This can make it challenging to stay on top of responsibilities and increases the likelihood of forgetting things.

Understanding how ADHD planning problems affect organisation can help develop strategies to assist those with ADHD in managing their daily routines and improving their ability to plan and stay organised.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Executive Function Deficits.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.