Cognitive-Functional (Cog-Fun) Intervention in Occupational Therapy for Individuals with ADHD: 10 Year Summary of Research and Clinical Activity

Cog-Fun is an integrated cognitive functional treatment approach designed to address the multifaceted implications of ADHD on the individual`s participation in daily occupations. This approach is based on the understanding that the core neurocognitive executive deficits in ADHD, interact with psychosocial factors that impact daily functioning and quality of life. The Cog-Fun change mechanisms for improving functioning and quality of life include occupation-based meta-cognitive learning, behavioral learning and environmental adaptation as well as a positive and empowering therapeutic relationship with clients and their families.

Cog-Fun Treatment Goals:

• Improving participation in daily occupations
• Fostering a positive occupational identity
• Acquiring executive strategies to compensate for typical ADHD difficulties in daily life
• Enhancing awareness to ADHD symptoms, implications and resources through education and experiential learning
• Educating and empowering parents as mediators in the therapeutic process
• Improving quality of life in persons with ADHD and their families

Over the past 10 years, our laboratory for neurocognitive rehabilitation at the school of occupational therapy in collaboration with the department of child neurology has developed three Cog-Fun treatment protocols for children, adolescents and adults. Extensive research examining the efficiency of Cog-Fun has taken place and demonstrated clinically significant outcomes in occupational performance, executive functioning, parental self-efficacy, teen and adult awareness, efficient strategy use and quality of life.