Visual perception abilities and executive functions in children with school-related occupational performance difficulties

Abstract

This study identified the relative pattern of performance on measures of visual perception and executive functions in children with school-related occupational performance difficulties. The participants were 46 children aged 5 to 10 years (M = 7.4, SD = 1.3) referred to an occupational therapy clinic for difficulty in performing tasks such as handwriting, and cutting with scissors. Children completed the Developmental Test of Visual Perception, 2nd edition (DTVP-2), and parents and teachers completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Results on the DTVP-2 identified that approximately one-third of the sample displayed impairments in visual perception, and children were more likely to demonstrate difficulties in the area of metacognition than behavioral regulation on the BRIEF. There were minimal significant correlations between the subscales of the DTVP-2 and BRIEF. Classification of children's executive functions on the BRIEF differed according to parent and teacher ratings, thus highlighting the importance of contextual influences in this assessment. Findings are discussed in relation to tailoring both assessment and intervention practices.