Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System

Audience: This session is targeted for individuals who are new to the D-KEFS or who need to learn basic information about the D-KEFS.

Course description: This 3-hour session reviews the higher order skills associated with the ability to engage in independent goal-directed behavior. Planning and impairments in executive functions may result in a number of difficulties or deficits in children, adolescents, and adults. We will review the planning and sequencing of complex behaviors, the ability to pay attention to several components simultaneously, resistance to distraction and inhibition of inappropriate responses, and the ability to persist over a prolonged period are all included in this session.

Learning objectives: After attending this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand key concepts or cognitive skills associated with executive functioning, such as mental flexibility, set formation and maintenance, ability to plan and self-monitor, inhibition, and rule learning
• Recognize the behaviors associated with deficits in executive functioning, such as disinhibition, perseveration, forgetfulness, lack of persistence, anticipatory failure to shift when needed
• Recognize the emotional and cognitive characteristics associated with executive functioning deficits, such as mood lability, concrete thinking, intense overreactions, inconsistency, and inability to self-regulate
• Demonstrate their knowledge of the battery of tests included in the D-KEFS and the component skills and higher order functions assessed
• Isolate specific strengths and weaknesses of the individual being assessed using a process approach