Acquisition and improvement of executive functions: A program with emphasis on Independence and quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

The increase of life expectancy of the general population, with or without disabilities, brings comfort and new perspectives for people and their families. However, also creates concerns about the quality of life of those who .have some limitation in their autonomy. This way, it is fundamental to invest in research aimed at improving the quality of life and the promotion of independence in adulthood and aging, particularly for people with some disabilities. This proposal aims to outline general, implement and evaluate a program for the acquisition and improvement of executive functions, with a focus on independence and quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities in adult life. It proposes as specific goals: to improve the performance of the participants in skills trained; offer support for family members/caregivers about their own difficulties on the basis of aging; form multipliers of the program; and develop line of research focusing on construction and development of resources and instructional materials for people with disabilities, through the integration of the fields of neuroscience and education. The program will involve the participation of a group of adults with intellectual disabilities, their families and professionals. There will be activities involving the use of strategies for learning and the improvement of executive functions, described in the literature of neuroscience, as important to maximizing learning. Expected to contribute to demonstrate the potential of executive functions to improve skills also of people with intellectual disabilities; and for improving the independence and quality of life of adults with intellectual disabilities and their families/caregivers. (AU)