Executive Functions in Children and Adolescents in Residential Care Under Protective Measures

Objectives This research analyses the executive functions in children and adolescents (between 7 and 16 years of age) in residential care. These children and adolescents are under protective measures due to abuse and/or neglect. The presence of significant differences in the executive functioning is explored, while taking into account such variables as gender, age and time spent in residential care. Methods The sample is made up of 73 children and adolescents under protective measures (43 male and 30 female). The participants make up the total number of children and adolescents in residential care centres in 2018. Results The neuropsychological evaluation shows that these children and adolescents have difficulties in their executive functions. They show mental rigidity, scarce ability to face cognitive stress and also have problems in controlling their attention span and the speed with which they can process information. Conclusions This study contributes to early intervention in the sphere of healthcare assistance within this at-risk population. It provides useful information for designing neuropsychological intervention proposals in executive functions.