Cognitive impairment

Cognitive impairment is a broad term to describe a wide variety of impaired brain function relating to ability to:

• think
• concentrate
• react to emotions
• formulate ideas
• problem solve
• reason and
• 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:

• acquired brain injury
• autism spectrum disorder
• intellectual disabilities
• organic dementia
• other neurological conditions
• other psychiatric and mental health
• specific learning disorder
• substance dependencies

Specific considerations and accommodations in the workplace depend on the type of impairment experienced and the level of severity.

Workplace adjustments and solutions

There are adjustments and solutions for the following job requirements:

• active listening
• concentrating
• dealing with stress and psychological demands
• focusing attention
• learning and applying knowledge
• managing emotions at work
• organisation and planning
• problem solving and decision making
• reading comprehension
• self care

References

Industry Canada Workplace Accommodation Toolkit 2007, Definition of Cognitive Impairment, Industry Canada, Ottawa, viewed 22 April 2007,<http://www.apt.gc.ca/dDisabExpandE.asp?Action=''&Id=4>.