The adaptive or functional approach uses repetition of specific functional tasks to learn how to compensate for impairments in daily living activities. It assumes improved performance despite the ongoing existence of a perceptual/cognitive deficit. Interventions include modification of the task or environment; provision of targeted verbal, visual or physical cues or prompts; grading of the task requirements and repetitive practice of a meaningful goal.
The restorative or remedial approach aims to restore impaired skills by practicing specific perceptual functions, e.g. using puzzles or table top tasks. It is anticipated that these improved perceptual skills will then aid more independent functioning. The restorative or remedial approach is thought to be less effective in cognitive or perceptual retraining than an adaptive or functional approach.
Page last reviewed: 29 Jul 2021
