Attention Process Training after Brain Injury

Attention Process Training and cognitive rehabilitation

The Attention Process Training Programs (APT) by Sohlberg and Mateer are based on extensive research that is widely published in the cognitive rehabilitation literature. These therapeutic treatment programs are designed for adolescents, adults and veterans with mild, moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and for those with post concussion syndrome.

The Pay Attention Program by Thomson and Kerns is based on the APT program and has been modified for children ages 4-11 with traumatic brain injury or ADHD.

Attention Process Training

Deficits in memory and learning are frequently a consequence of impaired attentional processing. APT provides a variety of treatment activities which train the basic attention components critical to new learning.

There are four levels or components of attention addressed in the APT Programs.

Sustained Attention: The ability to maintain a consistent behavioral response during continuous or repetitive activity.

Selective Attention: The ability to maintain a cognitive set which requires activation and inhibition of responses dependent upon discrimination of stimuli. This includes the ability to screen out extraneous visual or auditory information.

Alternating Attention: The capacity for mental flexibility which allows for moving between tasks having different cognitive requirements.

Divided Attention: The ability to simultaneously respond to multiple tasks.

(Sohlberg & Mateer)