Collaborative Problem-Solving: Using the Engineering Design Process to Boost Executive Function Skills in Autistic Adolescents
As therapists, there is an understanding of the difficulties that autistic adolescents face when it comes to executive function (EF) skills. These skills are essential for academic and non-academic occupations and integrating into school communities. However, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and emotional control can be challenging for many autistic individuals. One problem-solving approach that occupational therapists can use to improve EFs in autistic adolescents is the Engineering Design Process (EDP). In this blog post, we will explore how the EDP can be used as a peer-mediated problem-solving approach to improve executive function skills in autistic adolescents.
This post focuses on the key takeaways from the article, “Improving Executive Functions Using the Engineering Design Process: A Peer-Mediated Problem-Solving Approach for Autistic Adolescents” by Kavitha Murthi and Kristie Patten, published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Autistic Adolescents in Academic Settings
Autistic adolescents often face unique challenges in academic settings that require complex processes such as knowledge portrayal, information engagement, and collaboration with teachers and peers. Autistic individuals have atypical thinking and challenges in language and communication, social interactions, executive functions (EFs), and sensory processing. It's essential to consider these differences when designing interventions for autistic individuals, including EFs.
The Engineering Design Process (EDP): A Problem-Solving Framework for Autistic Adolescents
The EDP is a problem-solving framework that emphasizes analyzing problems from multiple angles, working collaboratively with peers, and exploring creative solutions. Occupational therapists can integrate the Cognitive Orientation into daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) Goal-Plan-Do-Check cognitive strategy to guide the problem-solving process and promote learning generalization. Additionally, the EDP primarily uses a collaborative peer-mediated problem-based learning approach. Therefore, it can be adapted to fit school-based occupational therapy interventions and potentially reduce challenges associated with traditional pull-out services. Collaborative relationships between teachers and occupational therapists can also be strengthened to ensure students attain educational goals.
Four elements of the EDP make it particularly suitable for peer-mediated problem-solving: systems thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Moreover, the EDP can accommodate various conventional and non-conventional communication practices, making it a valuable tool for educators looking to promote collaborative problem-solving and communication skills among their students.
Benefits of Using the Engineering Design Process (EDP) in Occupational Therapy Interventions
Using the EDP in occupational therapy interventions can foster the development of top-down skills, including problem-solving and executive function, and provide a structured framework for real-world practice and learning. The collaborative approach of the EDP can also facilitate the formation of genuine friendships and a sense of community among students. Moreover, by emphasizing inclusion and autonomy in the learning process, the EDP can empower autistic adolescents and equip them with the necessary skills to navigate the ever-evolving job market.
In Conclusion
The Engineering Design Process (EDP) is a practical problem-solving approach that can help occupational therapists improve cognitive flexibility, self-regulation, and working memory while promoting collaboration and problem-solving with peers
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Murthi, K., & Patten, K. “The Issue Is—Improving executive functions using the engineering design process: A peer-mediated problem- solving approach for autistic adolescents” American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 77, vol 2 (2023): 1-9. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.050166