Understanding Cognition, Behaviour and Executive Function After Acquired Brain Injury
Share
Cognitive impairment, behavioural change and executive dysfunction are core features of acquired brain injury and have a direct impact on safety, independence and quality of life. Commissioners and inspectors expect ABI services to demonstrate a clear understanding of how these impairments present and how support models respond to them in practice.
This article provides a foundation for understanding cognition, behaviour and executive function in ABI services. It should be read alongside Service Models & Care Pathways and Workforce, Skill Mix & Practice Competence.
Cognition and executive function explained
Executive functions include planning, impulse control, emotional regulation, insight and problem-solving. After ABI, individuals may retain intelligence and communication skills while struggling to initiate, sequence or regulate behaviour.
Behaviour as communication
Behavioural changes following ABI are often misinterpreted as non-compliance or choice. In reality, they frequently reflect cognitive overload, poor insight or difficulty processing consequences.
Commissioner and inspector expectations
Expectation 1: Functional understanding. Inspectors expect staff to understand how ABI-related cognitive impairments affect daily behaviour.
Expectation 2: Tailored support responses. Commissioners expect services to adapt support models to cognitive need rather than applying generic approaches.
Operational example 1: Executive function mapping
An ABI provider introduced executive function profiles that mapped planning, impulse control and insight to daily support strategies.
Impact on risk and safety
Executive dysfunction can increase risk without increasing intent. Effective services separate risk from blame.
Operational example 2: Behavioural trigger analysis
Staff used trigger analysis to identify environmental and cognitive causes of behavioural escalation.
Supporting consistency across teams
Inconsistent responses increase confusion and risk for people with ABI.
Operational example 3: Behavioural support guidance
A provider developed clear guidance for responding to common ABI-related behaviours.
Evidencing understanding in inspection
Providers should evidence:
- Clear explanations of cognitive and executive impairment
- Behavioural responses linked to cognitive need
- Consistent staff practice
Why this foundation matters
Understanding cognition and executive function is essential to safe, person-centred ABI support.
💼 Rapid Support Products (fast turnaround options)
- ⚡ 48-Hour Tender Triage
- 🆘 Bid Rescue Session – 60 minutes
- ✍️ Score Booster – Tender Answer Rewrite (500–2000 words)
- 🧩 Tender Answer Blueprint
- 📝 Tender Proofreading & Light Editing
- 🔍 Pre-Tender Readiness Audit
- 📁 Tender Document Review
🚀 Need a Bid Writing Quote?
If you’re exploring support for an upcoming tender or framework, request a quick, no-obligation quote. I’ll review your documents and respond with:
- A clear scope of work
- Estimated days required
- A fixed fee quote
- Any risks, considerations or quick wins