ABSTRACT
Cognitive perceptual remedial approaches used by occupational therapists in the treatment of adults with brain injury have been criticized because of claims that the effects are not generalizable. Little information is available, however, that can guide the therapist in directly addressing the generalization process. This paper proposes a multicontext treatment approach that uses five components identified in the cognitive psychology literature as being critical to the process of generalization: (a) use of multiple environments, (b) identification of criteria for transfer, (c) metacognitive training, (d) emphasis on processing strategies, and (e) use of meaningful activities. A case report is used to illustrate this treatment approach.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries/complications , Cognition Disorders/therapy , Occupational Therapy/methods , Adult , Cognition Disorders/etiology , Cognition Disorders/psychology , Humans , Learning , Male , Mental Processes , Patient Care Planning , Task Performance and AnalysisABSTRACT
This paper proposes an alternative to the deficit-specific approach that has been used to guide the visual perceptual assessment and treatment of brain-injured adults. Recent theoretical advances in visual object perception are combined with a cognitive rehabilitation model to provide a framework for occupational therapy assessment and treatment of object-processing dysfunction. Assessment guidelines are presented that emphasize the analysis of residual function by specifying the task conditions that influence visual perception. A case study illustrates clinical application of this approach. Implications for research are discussed.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries/rehabilitation , Occupational Therapy , Visual Perception , Aged , Brain Injuries/physiopathology , Form Perception , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
A theoretical model that provides a foundation for understanding function and dysfunction in cognition and perception is needed as a prerequisite for the development of effective assessment and treatment tools to be used with the brain-injured adult. Such a model and clear definitions are absent in the occupational therapy literature on adult brain function and dysfunction. This paper represents a cognitive rehabilitation model adapted for occupational therapy from the fields of neuropsychology and cognitive psychology. Differentiation of terms, an overview of the model's theory, and evaluation principles are discussed. Cognitive rehabilitation is presented from an information processing perspective. Three other treatment approaches identified in the literature are discussed and compared with cognitive rehabilitation.
