Cognitive disability and FOR was developed by Clondia K. Allen.
It was developed to conceptualise intervention strategies for people who, as a result of brain pathology, are not able to carry out their normal life activities.
According to Allen, cognitive disability represents a physical or biochemical restriction in the information processing capacities of the brain that produces, observable, miserable limitations in routine task behaviours.
Theoretical base –
The cognitive disability FOR derived its theoretical base from research in the field of neurosciences, information processing, cognitive pathology and biological psychiatry.
Assumptions –
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The severity of a mental disorder can be judged by the consequences, it has on a person’s capacity to think, do and learn.
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Mild mental disorders can be compensated for by learning psychological substitutes for normal mental processes.
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Severe mental disorders can be associated with limited mental abilities that can not be corrected by what the person says or does.
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Severe mental disorders can be compensated for by providing an environmental substitute for normal mental processes and identifying normal processes that can still be used.
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The remaining mental abilities can be engaged in doing realistic activities that are meaningful to the client, practical for caregivers and sustainable over time.
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When people are unable to learn to use psychological compensation effectively, environmental compensation can improve the quality of life for them and their long-term caregivers.
Domains of concern –
1. All performance areas.
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Activities of daily living (BADL & IADL)
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Social
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Education
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Participation
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Leisure
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Work
2. Process skills or cognition
3. Routine habits
4. Physical and social context
5. Analysis of activity demand
Assessments –
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Allen cognitive level screen
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Routine task inventory
Postulates regarding change –
Two postulates –
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Chains to capacity
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Environmental changes.
Strength of the FOR –
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Using the cognitive disability model is an effective way of quickly identifying a disruption in cognition as it relates to daily function.
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If a change in the underlying mental structures is desired, this model can measure the change.
Limitations –
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The concepts related to the higher cognitive levels within this model are not well articulated and hence the confusion.
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Examples of facilitating clients with higher cognitive disabilities are needed.
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Allen’s Cognitive Level-
