Conceptualisation and use of executive functions in paediatrics: A scoping review of occupational therapy literature

Abstract

Background/aim: Knowledge and understanding of deficits in executive functions has expanded in recent years and its relevance to occupational therapy has been established. The purpose of this review was to identify, analyse, synthesise and describe the updated occupational therapy scientific literature that addresses the subject of executive functions, specifically focusing on children and adolescents. Method: Scoping review methodology was implemented to map the occupational therapy literature on executive functions in children and adolescents over the past decade. Articles were retrieved from five electronic databases. Results: Fifty publications met the inclusion criteria. The research included a wide age range, different diagnoses, use of diverse executive functions definitions and assortment of assessments and interventions. Conclusion: A unique definition of executive functions among children and adolescents was proposed. This definition can assist both clinicians and researchers in the field. Continued research to establish the profession in a key position is recommended to understand the underlying mechanisms of daily performance.

Daily Performance of Adolescents with Executive Function Deficits: An Empirical Study Using a Complex-Cooking Task

“…The CCT is classified as a real-life situation task with observation of actual performance in a natural environment because it includes activities resembling everyday functions [54]. The task is easily adapted to children and adolescents, and the participants enjoy performing it.…”

Performance-Based Executive Function Instruments Used by Occupational Therapists for Children: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties

“…Furthermore, research on EF assessments has also been through tests that measure singular processes, instead of from a pluralistic perspective reflecting EF's fundamental construct. Assessment should contain an array of EFs necessary for complex life tasks encompassing real-world contexts [ 8 , 9 , 11 ].…”

“…OTs are part of that allied health team concerned with determining cognitive abilities needed in everyday task performance to perform various activities [ 14 ]. These cognitive abilities fall within the EF domains, whose main outcome reflects performance in daily activities and how it contributes to functional independence [ 8 , 11 ]. Critical to the occupational therapy process is a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of a child's EF that may influence their abilities to participate in childhood occupations [ 8 ].…”

“…These cognitive abilities fall within the EF domains, whose main outcome reflects performance in daily activities and how it contributes to functional independence [ 8 , 11 ]. Critical to the occupational therapy process is a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of a child's EF that may influence their abilities to participate in childhood occupations [ 8 ]. This is enabled by using adequate measures of EF assessment tools that consider their occupations and contexts.…”

“…This is enabled by using adequate measures of EF assessment tools that consider their occupations and contexts. Given the importance of EFs in children's daily activities, preference should be on performance-based assessments within naturalistic contexts [ 8 , 15 ]. While there are several available EF tools for children, it is crucial that ecologically valid and performance-based assessments be used in occupational therapy.…”