Effect of Occupation Performance Coaching with Four-Quadrant Model of Facilitated Learning on Children with Specific Learning Disorder

Abstract

Background. Children with a specific learning disability (SLD) have deficits in everyday occupations along with executive function in addition to academic issues. Objective. The present study is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) and the Four-Quadrant Model of Facilitated Learning (4QM) interventions on the participation in occupational performance and executive function skills in children with SLD. Method. This study was a single-case experimental design (multiple baselines) in which six children with SLD were randomly assigned to three groups. In the baseline phase, three groups of children underwent repeated executive function assessments using the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in the multiple baselines. In the intervention phase, all six mothers of children with SLD individually received OPC and 4QM interventions once a week for 14 sessions of 60 minutes and during this period, children were evaluated six more times for executive function skills according to SCWT and WCST. In addition, The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) at the beginning and the end of the baseline phase and the end of the intervention phase were completed by mothers of children with SLD. Results. More than 50% PND of the SCWT and WCST in the visual analysis graph’s information along with significant changes in COPM scores and large effect size of BRIEF subscales (Cohen’s $d\ge 0.8$ ) in pre- and postintervention showed the effectiveness of OPC and 4QM on the participation in occupational performance and executive function skills in children with SLD. Conclusion. The results of the study support the effectiveness of OPC and 4QM interventions on children with SLD. However, research with more participants and experimental methods can provide further evidence.