Functional Cognition Performance Assessment

Observed performance assessment for documenting how cognition affects completion of real-world kitchen and executive function tasks, including initiation, organization, sequencing, safety awareness, and judgment.

Assessment Setup and Safety

• Assessment environment is safe, uncluttered, and appropriate for task observation
  Workspace should allow safe observation of the task without immediate hazards.
• Required task materials are available and within reach
  Examples may include kettle, cup, water source, utensils, ingredients, or written instructions.
• Participant understands the task instructions
  Rate the participant's initial comprehension of the task goal and steps.
• Immediate safety risks identified before task start
  Select any observed risks present before task initiation.

Task Initiation and Planning

• Initiates task without excessive delay
  Assess whether the participant begins the task in a timely manner.
• Identifies task goal and required sequence
  Observe whether the participant can state or demonstrate the correct order of steps.
• Organizes materials before starting
  Evaluate whether materials are gathered and arranged efficiently.
• Requires verbal cueing to proceed to next step
  Record the highest level of cueing required during task initiation and planning.

Sequencing, Problem-Solving, and Safety

• Completes task steps in correct sequence
  Assess whether the participant follows the expected order of operations.
• Recognizes and corrects errors independently
  Examples include overfilling, forgetting a step, using the wrong item, or unsafe handling.
• Maintains safety awareness during task
  Observe attention to heat, water, sharp objects, spills, and appliance use.
• Uses judgment appropriately when unexpected issue occurs
  Examples include missing item, changed instructions, or minor spill.

Task Completion and Assistance Level

• Level of assistance required to complete task
  Select the highest level of assistance required during the assessment.
• Task completed successfully
  Indicate whether the participant completed the observed task to an acceptable standard.
• Final task outcome is safe and usable
  Assess the end result of the task, such as prepared beverage, meal component, or organized materials.

Observations, Recommendations, and Follow-Up

• Observed cognitive strengths
  Document strengths such as attention, memory, problem-solving, or self-correction.
• Observed cognitive deficits or performance barriers
  Document barriers such as poor sequencing, distractibility, impulsivity, or reduced insight.
• Recommended supports or compensatory strategies
  Select supports that may improve task performance or safety.
• Follow-up required
  Indicate whether reassessment, referral, or additional intervention is recommended.