Cog-Fun A is a cognitive functional intervention tailored for adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and administered by certified occupational therapists. This therapeutic approach was formulated and extensively studied at the Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Lab within the Hebrew University School of Occupational Therapy. Its primary objective is to aid individuals in managing the functional consequences from compromised self-esteem in their day-to-day activities. This intervention is for adults who have received an ADHD diagnosis from a licensed medical practitioner, with treatment contingent upon collaboration with the attending physician.
Given the chronic nature of ADHD, tailored, effective, and evidence-based interventions are necessary across different life stages. To address this need, specialized protocols have been developed for children and their caregivers (Maeir, Hahn-Markowitz, Fisher, & Traub Bar-Ilan, 2014), adolescents and their parents (Levanon-Erez & Maeir, 2014), as well as adults (Kastner, 2018; Velder-Shukrun, 2018).
The therapeutic approach emphasizes long-term self-management of ADHD-related challenges, focusing on several key elements: (a) enhancing knowledge and self-awareness regarding symptoms and self-esteem impairments, and their implications across various life domains (work, education, parenting, relationships, etc.), (b) acquiring personalized adaptive strategies, and (c) overseeing and regulating the application of strategies in daily life, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation.
Rooted in the biopsychosocial model advocated by the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), the treatment underscores the central role of functioning and engagement in life roles in fostering health and well-being. Furthermore, it acknowledges that function is influenced not only by the executive function deficits associated with ADHD but also by a myriad of psychosocial factors, including interpersonal relationships, occupational demands, and environmental influences. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this treatment approach in adults, leading to significant improvements in functional outcomes and enhancing self-awareness and overall quality of life (Kastner, 2018; Kastner et al., 2022; Velder-Shukrun, 2018).
For further information:
Publications
Budman, J. R., & Maeir, A. (2024). Development of a psychological health promotion intervention for ultra-orthodox Jewish mothers of children with ADHD using the intervention mapping protocol. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 645.
Ben-Dor Cohen, M., Nahum, M., Traub Bar-Ilan, R., Eldar, E., & Maeir, A. (2023). Coping with emotional dysregulation among young adults with ADHD: A mixed-method study of self-awareness and strategies in daily life. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 1-25.
Ben-Dor Cohen, M., Nahum, M., Eldar, E., Nahum, M., & Maeir, A. (2023). Coping with emotional dysregulation among young adults with ADHD: A mixed-method study of self-awareness and strategies in daily life. Journal of Attention Disorders, 27(5), 539-553.
Zeides Taubin, D., & Maeir, A. (2023). "I wish it wasn't all on me": women's experiences living with a partner with ADHD. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1-9.
Hershko, S., Cortese, S., Ert, E., Aronis, A., Maeir, A., & Pollak, Y. (2022). The influence of attractiveness and convenience cues on food appeal in adults with and without ADHD. Appetite, 150, 104679.
Kastner, L., Velder-Shukrun, Y., Bonne, O., Bar-Ilan, R. T., & Maeir, A. (2022). Pilot study of the Cognitive–Functional Intervention for Adults (Cog-Fun A): A metacognitive–functional tool for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(2).
Maeir, A., Budman, J. R., & Maeir, A. (2022). Mothering a child with ADHD in the ultra-Orthodox community. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21), 14483.
Ben-Dor Cohen, M., Eldar, E., Maeir, A., & Nahum, M. (2021). Emotional dysregulation and health related quality of life in young adults with ADHD: A cross-sectional study. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 19, 1-11.
Maeir, A., Kastner, L., & Shukrun, Y. V. (2019). Cognitive-functional intervention for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A pilot study. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(4_Supplement_1), 7312515127p1.
Stern, A., Pollak, y., Bonne, O., Malik, E., & Maeir, A. (2017). The relationship between executive functions and quality of life in adults with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 21(4), 323-330.
Stern, A., Malik, E., Pollak, Y., Bonne, O., & Maeir, A. (2016). The efficacy of computerized cognitive training in adults with ADHD: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of attention disorders, 20(12), 991-1003.
Stern, A., & Maeir, A. (2014). Validating the measurement of executive functions in an occupational context for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(6), 719-728.
Cermak, S. A. & Maeir, A. (2011). Cognitive Rehabilitation of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. In N. Katz (Ed.), Cognition, Occupation, and Participation Across the Life Span: Neuroscience, Neurorehabilitation, and Models of Intervention in Occupational Therapy, 3rd Edition. (pp. 249-276). Bethesda MD: AOTA.
Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) in Israeli adults with attention-deficit. Israeli Journal of Occupational Therapy, 17(2), 77-96
