Occupational therapists are in a unique position to observe and assess perceptual and cognitive deficits in patients with neurological impairment. The increasing proportion of the elderly in the population, combined with an increase in the number of people surviving traumatic head injuries, has resulted in a need for occupational therapists to develop further their understanding of perception and cognition.
In this book, neuroanatomical and information processing approaches are used to understand perception and cognition. The reader is encouraged to develop an awareness of how perception and cognition affect function in self-care, work and leisure activities, and to predict the effects of impairment.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part introduces the methods of neuropsychology and cognitive neuropsychology, and the role of perception and cognition in daily living. The second part outlines the theoretical background to knowledge of perceptual and cognitive abilities and includes activities to encourage the reader to experience perceptual and cognitive function. The final part defines perceptual and cognitive deficits individually and considers the functional implications. Suggestions are listed for the assessment of each deficit, including the relevant component tests from standardized assessment batteries.
The book is intended for students of occupational therapy as well as clinicians involved in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological impairment.
Key features include:
• integration of theory and practice
• interspersed with activities
• standardized assessment batteries summarized