Cognitive Ergonomics From the Inside Out® (Cog-Erg for short)
A New Paradigm for Understanding and Accommodating ADHD
What It Is
Cog-Erg is a new paradigm in the field of engineering and a new ADHD intervention. Like all paradigms, it redefines how we look at things and explains many anomalies the current mindset cannot.
Built on Dr. Russell Barkley’s model of executive function and powered by the observational tool AttentionScope®, Cog-Erg reframes ADHD not as a behavioral issue, but as a problem-solving impairment (when done inside of mind).
Cog-Erg is an observational training program using Dr. Barkley’s model and AttentionScope® to make objective observations and taking a six sigma approach to accommodating the underlying impairment.
Cognitive Ergonomics From the Inside Out® transforms abstract concepts of cognition into tangible phenomena, revealing causal relationships around intangible accommodations that shift how we understand support for executive function impairments.
What Makes It Different
The current paradigm focuses on behavior change or skills training. While behavior can be changed and skills can be learned, their impact is limited in the face of an underlying impairment. Understanding executive functions as a collection of mind tools used to solve problems, problems being characterized as multifaceted and ambiguous, we can understand why those with ADHD have issues with planning, managing time, and making decisions. If behavior or skills training comes without any accommodation for the impairment, it explains why current interventions fall short.
Cog-Erg is not about an individual conforming to a task. It is about conforming the task to the individual’s cognition by providing accommodations for the impairment based on the individual’s needs.
Why Cog-Erg Matters
CEFIO matters because it helps individuals feel safer, boosts their self-esteem and wellbeing, reduces stress, and improves productivity. It also frees them from constantly struggling with their challenges, allowing them to use their energy to develop and share their unique gifts and talents.
Cog-Erg May Be Hard to Grasp
This is not a new strategy—it’s a new paradigm. New paradigms confront old ones by revealing imperfections and proving them to be off the mark. Confirmation bias—the brain’s tendency to reject anything that contradicts familiar beliefs—creates discomfort and resistance to accepting evidence supporting the new paradigm (see the Intangible Accommodations Axiom below). More simply, it is hard to grasp a new paradigm if you are looking to interpret it through the lens of old paradigms.
Who It’s For
Cog-Erg is meant for those diagnosed with or impacted by ADHD, including individuals, therapists. coaches. HR professionals, disability specialists, educators, parents, and anyone who recognizes that current strategies fall short and is ready to understand why.
Related Links
Basis of Claim that Cog-Erg is a new field of engineering
A New Motivational Theory to Restore Equilibrium
The Intangible Accommodation Axiom
The Universal Accommodation Principle