Executive Function: Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment for Pediatric Clients

The Handbook of Clinical Neurology defines executive function as a high-level cognitive process that enables people to complete complex cognitive processes. Executive function includes three core cognitive processes: namely working memory, inhibition and flexibility, and it has a regulating effect on people's behavior with a mediating role in sensory processing and behavioral performance. Many pediatric diagnoses include predominant symptomology ofexecutive functioning disorders. However, the executivefunction of children is pliable and malleable. As therapists, we should know which evaluations are available, and which evidence-based treatments can be used for improvedexecutive functioning as needed for age-appropriate activityengagement.

This course will present proven evaluation tools andtreatment strategies to address executive functioning delays. Understanding the evidence pertaining to executivefunctioning in children and adolescents will improve reimbursement for treatment of these clients, support, and education you can provide to families, and address the needsof the whole client including these cognitive delays. This course will help therapists treating executive function delays improve evaluation and treatment in their pediatric clients.

Highlights

• Practical identification and evaluation for executive functioning issues in pediatric clients
• Effective evidence-based treatment for improving executive functioning delays such as memory, motor, and self-regulation

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists