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نمایش مقاله

Title:

Investigating the Effectiveness of Cognitive Rehabilitation on Cognitive Flexibility in Mothers of Children with Autism- The Mediating Role of Changes in Brain Activity Patterns (A Case Study)

Subject:

Clinical Applications of Brain Mappin

Presenter Author:
Name:	Akram Shatalebi

Author:
Name 1:	Akram Shatalebi - Corresponding - Presenter
Affiliation 1:	Daryay-e Aram Rehabilitation& Counselling Services Centre

Name 2:	seyede mehri Daryabari
Affiliation 2:	Daryay-e Aram Rehabilitation& Counselling Services Centre

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Abstract

Original Research

introduction :

Mothers of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are continuously exposed to emotional stressors and caregiving responsibilities, which place them at a higher risk of psychological distress and reduced cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility, as a core component of executive functions, plays a crucial role in psychological adjustment, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Therefore, assessing the psychological and cognitive status of parents—particularly mothers of children with ASD—is of great importance. Enhancing cognitive flexibility in this population may significantly improve both maternal functioning and the overall quality of life of mothers and their children. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of subsidized cognitive rehabilitation on cognitive flexibility in mothers of children with autism, with an emphasis on the mediating role of changes in brain activity patterns.

Methods:

This study employed a case-study design with a pretest–posttest framework. The research population consisted of all mothers who referred to the Darya Cognitive Rehabilitation Clinic. In the initial stage, the Cognitive Flexibility Scale developed by Dennis and Vander Wal was administered to the target population. Following screening procedures, one participant was randomly selected. After explaining the research objectives and obtaining informed consent, the participant was enrolled in the study. The research instruments included the Dennis and Vander Wal Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire (2010) as the psychometric measure and quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) for brain mapping. Resting-state EEG recordings were obtained, and analyses focused on prefrontal regions, specifically F3, F4, and Fz. The participant completed ten sessions of cognitive rehabilitation using the RehaCom software, during which cognitive flexibility–oriented training tasks were administered. Upon completion of the intervention, posttests and a second qEEG recording were conducted. Data were analyzed by comparing pretest and posttest results.

Results:

The findings indicated a significant improvement in the participant’s cognitive flexibility score following the cognitive rehabilitation program. In addition, brain mapping results revealed noticeable changes in prefrontal brain activity patterns, which may reflect enhanced functioning of executive neural networks. These neurophysiological changes were observed concurrently with improvements in cognitive flexibility, highlighting the mediating role of altered brain activity patterns in the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation.

Conclusion:

The results of the present study suggest that cognitive rehabilitation can improve cognitive flexibility in mothers of children with autism by inducing changes in brain activity patterns. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating neurobiologically informed interventions into supportive and therapeutic programs for this population. Furthermore, the results provide preliminary evidence that may inform future research employing larger samples and more robust experimental designs.

Keywords:

Cognitive Rehabilitation; Cognitive Flexibility; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Brain Mapping; qEEG