The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, or BRIEF for short, is an assessment used to measure Executive Function (EF) skills. This assessment can help people of all ages, from young students to adults in the workforce. The BRIEF is designed to measure Executive Function and self-regulation. With a comprehensive assessment, you can identify critical skills that may be impaired or undeveloped. In addition to undergoing an assessment, you can take the first step toward improving your or your child’s EF skills with a thorough guide and toolkit.
When it comes to building EF skills, early intervention can be beneficial. In one study of school readiness in young children, the highest percentage of insufficiency was identified in Executive Functions. Undeveloped Executive Function skills can have a big impact on a person’s future. Children with less developed EF skills were more likely to struggle with essential areas of development such as literacy. Adults with less developed EF skills may have a hard time keeping up in the workplace. Do you think you or your child may be having trouble learning and applying key EF skills? A BRIEF assessment could help you gain more insight.
What is the BRIEF assessment?
The BRIEF is a standardized assessment for measuring Executive Function. The assessment process involves multiple participants filling out questionnaires. Adults fill out a self-report form. Someone else completes an informant questionnaire. As an adult, your informant should be someone who is familiar with your daily functioning. This could be a parent, spouse, or adult child.
The process is slightly different for children. A child BRIEF assessment includes questionnaires for parents and teachers. Depending on your child’s age, they may complete a self-report form as well. Assessments for children under 11 years old do not include a self-report form. As a parent or teacher, it’s important to answer each question thoughtfully and honestly. A BRIEF questionnaire may include a range of questions about various behaviors and skills. Your answers can help treatment providers pinpoint your child’s difficulties. This can enable providers to offer tailored support.
Conditions that the BRIEF assessment can evaluate
- ADHD — Do you think you or your child may have ADHD? The BRIEF assessment can help identify signs of ADHD in an individual’s behaviors. People with ADHD often have trouble with EF skills like time management and impulse control. An assessment can help identify difficulties with Executive Function.
- Depression — Depression can have a significant impact on every aspect of a person’s life. Key symptoms include persistent sadness and fatigue. The effects of these symptoms can lead to Executive Dysfunction. Someone with depression may experience a range of Executive Function difficulties. Do you or your child experience depression symptoms? A BRIEF assessment can offer insight into how depression might impact Executive Functioning. Common EF difficulties for people with depression include trouble initiating tasks, staying motivated, and maintaining concentration. Depression is not the only mental health condition that can hinder Executive Functioning. Other mental and emotional conditions such as anxiety can also take a toll on an individual’s EF and self-regulation skills.
- Learning disabilities — Learning disabilities are conditions that make it harder to absorb information. Though ADHD can be classified as a learning disability, it’s not the only condition in this category. Others, like dyslexia, hinder specific kinds of learning. Someone with dyslexia may have trouble with reading, writing, and speaking. If your child has dyslexia, you may notice that it takes a lot of time to learn new words. Children with dyslexia also tend to start talking later in childhood. Dyslexia doesn’t just affect children, either. Research shows that dyslexia affects around 20% of the population, adults and children alike. Other relatively common learning disabilities include dyscalculia and dysgraphia. An assessment can help pinpoint any specific learning disabilities you or your child may have, enabling you to intervene. With the right support, someone with learning disabilities can overcome hurdles to succeed in school, work, and other aspects of life.
- Brain injuries — A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to Executive Function challenges. If you or your child have recently sustained brain trauma, you may notice symptoms like brain fog and gaps in memory. An individual with a TBI may also have trouble controlling their emotions and planning ahead as they go about their daily routine. After a TBI, receiving an assessment can be a key step in the rehabilitation process.
Assess your skills and get tailored coaching at Beyond BookSmart
Do you think you or your child may need Executive Function coaching after receiving an assessment? At Beyond BookSmart, we have Executive Function coaching services to help develop and improve the skills students and adults need to create an effective and workable study routine.
Executive Function skills can be taught, learned, and applied for success. If you or your child has a learning difference, an emotional challenge, such as anxiety, or you’re just struggling to reach your Executive Function potential, Beyond BookSmart services can help you see what you’re capable of.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an inquiry call.
.png)
