Executive Functions in People With Cerebral Palsy and Related Conditions

Abstract

Currently, more attention is being paid to cognitive interventions, since, for example, alterations in certain executive functions may be associated with cerebral palsy and may interfere with daily performance, learning, and quality of life. These considerations compel therapists to focus their efforts on doing an early assessment and intervention. However, interventions that are only aimed at training cognitive or executive skills may not have a real influence on the person's daily life. Using the person-environment-occupation model as a framework may help investigators and therapists to examine the occupational participation process and guide the planning and interventions in clinical practice. This chapter will present evidence-based interventions that target executive function training in people with cerebral palsy, under the person-environment-occupation model perspective.