Why Structure? A Series on the Benefits of Structure for Executive Functioning.

Why Structure? A Series on the Benefits of Structure for Executive Functioning.

At Surfside, our structure is built around a consistent, predictable routine designed to enhance mental health and executive functioning.  In 2025, over 80% of the residents at Surfside have an ADHD diagnosis, and we serve many other neurodivergent populations.  Let’s unpack what it means to be neurodivergent, what the heck “executive functioning” is, and why we’re adamant that structure truly benefits this population.

As we compiled this research, we discovered this is better served as a series because there’s a TON of information. So welcome to Part 1 of our Structure & Executive Functioning series. This is Executive Functioning 101!

What’s this “Neurodivergent” term that I keep hearing?

We’re hearing the term “neurodivergent” much more frequently these days. Harvard Health’s “What is Neurodiversity” article breaks this term down into language we can all comprehend. Neurodivergence means a person processes information differently, and often the brain has been “wired” this way since birth/developmental years. This is an umbrella term, so multiple conditions are considered neurodivergent.  Think Autism, ADHD, PTSD/C-PTSD, Dyslexia, and much more. At Surfside, we also approach Traumatic Brain Injuries as a type of neurodivergence.

Simply put, a person thinks and interacts with the world differently when they are neurodivergent, It’s not wrong, it’s not stupid, it is just different. We use this term because it challenges the misconception that there’s one correct way to think or learn. 

What does “Executive Functioning” mean?

According to ADDitude Magazine, Executive Functioning “is the cognitive process that organizes thoughts and activities, prioritizes tasks, manages time efficiently, and makes decisions.” It’s how we sort through information to get stuff done. 

In past articles (and on the “research” page of our website) we discuss a part of the brain called the Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex. We specifically use regular physical fitness because it’s beneficial to the AMCC, which plays a huge role in our executive functioning.

Executive Functioning and Addiction (AKA Why Should I Care?)

Executive functioning plays a MASSIVE role in addiction recovery! Huge! Executive Functioning is involved with many skills that play a role in maintaining sobriety – self-control, decision making, stress management, and planning.

Here are a few things we know about executive function that we’ll cover in the upcoming articles in this series:

1. Many folks with Substance Use Disorder already experience deficiencies in Executive Functioning. This may be related to PTSD, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, or even a Traumatic Brain Injury. 
2. Alcohol and drug use (yes, marijuana is a drug!!!!) can disrupt parts of the brain responsible for Executive Functioning.
3. Recovery requires Executive Functioning: emotion regulation, delayed gratification, impulse control, planning. We often in early recovery, folks still struggle with mood swings, dysregulated emotions, impulsivity, and limited self-awareness. 

Now that you have a bit of “Executive Functioning 101,” you may find our routine and structure make a bit of sense.  Our next part of this series will cover Neurodivergence – ADHD, PTSD, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injuries and more.  Whether your son survived a traumatic experience, has multiple concussions, had an IEP/504, is on the spectrum, or is still a bit of a mystery to you, we think this series will be enlightening. 

As we post the future parts in the series, you’ll find the additional articles linked below.

Click here for Part 2: Understanding Neurodiversity.

Click here for Part 3: ADHD and Executive Functioning.