Assessing the executive function abilities of adults with neurogenic communication disorders

Whereas it is known that executive function abilities are often impaired in clients having neurogenic communication disorders, few assessments of this cognitive domain are available that consider the speech and language deficits of this population. This article provides an overview of current procedures for assessing executive functions including a discussion of team approaches to assessment, a review of currently available neuropsychological and functional tests of executive function abilities, as well as a critique of those assessment procedures. In addition, suggestions are provided for how best to use or modify appropriately current tests of executive functioning for clients having acquired speech and language disorders as a result of brain damage.