Cognitive impairment is a broad term to describe a wide variety of impaired brain function relating to the ability of a person to:
- think
- concentrate
- react to emotions
- formulate ideas
- problem solve
- reason
- remember
There can be a wide range of severity in impairment from mild through to severe. Cognitive impairment can be associated with many disabilities and disorders that can be present at birth or acquired later in life, for example:
Symptoms and characteristics
The symptoms and characteristics of cognitive impairment depend on the specific type of impairment. The most common symptoms and charcteristics include:
- avoidance of eye contact
- difficulty understanding the motivation, perspectives or feelings of others
- difficulty coping with changes
- decreased ability to learn new skills
- difficulty with reading, writing, spelling and comprehension
- co-ordination problems.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Specific considerations and accommodations in the workplace for those with cognitive impairment will depend on the type of impairment experienced and the level of severity. Therefore please refer to conditions for more specific workplace information.
Fact sheets are available providing workplace support information specific to autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities and specific learning disorders at:
There are adjustments and solutions for the following job requirements:
References
Industry Canada Workplace Accommodation Toolkit 2011, Definition of Cognitive Impairment, Industry Canada, Ottawa, viewed 30 April 2011, http://www.apt.gc.ca/wat/wb14100E.asp?dId=107.