Executive Functions

Question 1

Executive Functions?

Answer 1

Required for completion of occupations
and roles

Goal formation = something we want to achieve due to level of interest, motivation, incentive

**Goal formation happens when there is a gap between something you need & want. “I want this but don’t have it = goal = “go get it” (takes practice)

If Goal Formation is not in place client wont understand the need so it is hard to work with them

Question 2

Inductive reasoning?

Answer 2

Eg) Traffic light turns green – my conclusion is it is safe to cross the street

Question 3

Deductive reasoning?

Answer 3

Starts with a general statement then we pull out facts.

Eg) Statement that it is safe to cross the street – pieces of info that draw you to this conclusion

Question 4

Consequential thinking?

Answer 4

Eg) What do you think will happen if you don’t show up for work (appears in mid 20’s = developed frontal lobe)

Question 5

Judgement?

Answer 5

Making good realistic decisions before proceeding (critical thinking)

Question 6

Sequencing?

Answer 6

Putting steps in proper order in a timely way

– if poor at it we are less logical

Question 7

Organization?

Answer 7

Being able to categorize different tasks together
– If poor organization, morning or afternoon tasks don’t get completed on time.

Eg) Still not dressed in the afternoon

Question 8

Problem Solving?

Answer 8

A BIG THING!!
– first have to identify an issue & have the mental flexibility to come up with more than one solution then you select the one that works best

Question 9

Mental Flexibility?

Answer 9

Eg) You forget lunch what will you do?

• Buy lunch, no money,
• Use bank card, don’t have it,
• Borrow money, no friends

(3 viable options) If can only come up with one thing you are stuck

Question 10

Perseveration?

Answer 10

Repetition of action or word, constant repeat.

Eg) Keep looking into purse for money because cant go beyond that one step
– Stuck in it & cant move on to step 2 of looking somewhere else.

We do not want when problem solving because you wont get done

Question 11

Where are Executive Functions found?

Answer 11

Frontal Lobe

Fully developed in early 20’s

Question 12

Dys-executive Syndrome?

Answer 12

Impairment in executive skills

Eg) we do a kitchen assessment (Activity Analysis) to see how they problem solve & complete functional tasks

Question 13

Compensatory Strategies for Dys-executive Function?

Answer 13

• Label & organize drawers
• Reduce environmental distractions (door closed, radio off)
• Plan & organize the day (structured routines)

Question 14

Treatment principles for recovery of Executive Functions?

Answer 14

PERFORMANCE BASED TREATMENT!!!!

Generalization (apply a skill to a different activity)
Error free
Self-evaluation
Grading
Prompting / structured cuing
 - Questions, hints/cues
Environmental accommodations
 - Distractions
 - Structure