Performance-Based Executive Function Instruments Used by Occupational Therapists for Children: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties
Table 1
Summary of included studies.
Author/s
Year
Instrument
Age
Population characteristics
Country of development/testing and language
Type of assessment
Executive function assessed
Tasks
Scoring
Engel-Yeger et al.
2009
Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome for Children
8-15 years
TD children
Israel (Hebrew)
Performance-based assessment and a 20-item questionnaire for caregivers (Dysexecutive Questionnaire for Children, DEX–C)
Inflexibility, perseverance, novel problem solving, impulsivity, planning, and the ability to utilise feedback to moderate behaviour
Six subtests: (1) Playing card test (2) Water test (3) Key search test (4) Zoo map test 1 (5) Zoo map test 2 (6) Six-part test
Each subtest will have its own scoring guideline. However, generally, scores are derived from the number of tasks completed correctly and rules broken or errors
Chevignard et al.
2009
Children’s cooking task
9-14 years
(,)
France (French)
Performance-based assessment
EFs assessed were not explicitly mentioned. However, the execution error assessed by the tool is related to volition, planning, goal direction, or task monitoring
The task entails preparing a chocolate cake and a fruit cocktail while following a recipe with the necessary ingredients and utensils on a table.
Scoring is based on a classification and quantification of errors and the qualitative analysis of the task.
Chevignard et al.
2010
Children’s cooking task
8-20 years
n =46 (TBI =25, TD =21)
Australia (English)
Fogel et al.
2020
Children’s cooking task
10-14 years
n =81 (EFD =41, TD =40)
Israel (Hebrew)
Rocke et al.
2008
Children’s Kitchen Task Assessment
8-12 years
TD children (African American; )
USA (English)
Performance-based assessment
Initiation, organization, planning and sequencing, judgment and safety, and completion
The child is asked to make a playdough.
Scoring is based on the cues given. The type of cue given is scored from 0 to 5:
Josman et al.
2010
Do-eat
5-6.5 years
children (,)
Israel (Hebrew)
Performance-based assessment
Attention, initiation, sequencing, transition from one activity to another, spatial and temporal organization, inhibition, problem solving, and remembering instructions
The child is asked to perform three tasks: (1) Make a sandwich (2) Prepare chocolate milk (3) Fill out a certificate of their outstanding performance
Test scores range from 1 (unsatisfactory performance) to 5 (very good performance).
Rosenblum et al.
2015
Do-eat
6-9 years
(ADHD =23, TD =24)
Israel (Hebrew)
Performance-based assessment
Downes et al.
2018
Preschool executive Task assessment
3-6 years
UK (English)
Performance-based assessment
Working memory, distractibility, organization, emotional control
The task involves using an “ingredients” box with preprepared materials, a recipe book, a timer, and cueing/scoring sheets. The child follows a picture recipe book step-by-step, using the supplied materials, to make the final picture.
Scoring is based on a classification and quantification of errors and the qualitative analysis of the task.
