For an 18-year-old male recovering from a traumatic brain injury, which area should initially be targeted in therapy?

Focusing on retraining attention as a discrete cognitive process is critical for an individual recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Attention serves as a foundational cognitive skill that is essential for performing a variety of tasks and engaging in learning. When attention is compromised, individuals may struggle to process information, follow conversations, or engage effectively in therapeutic activities.

By concentrating on attention retraining initially, therapists can help establish a base for further cognitive rehabilitation. This approach can enhance the individual's ability to focus, sustain attention, and shift attention as necessary, which are vital skills for both daily functioning and more complex cognitive tasks that may follow.

Targeting attention in the early stages not only supports immediate recovery goals but also provides a groundwork for tackling other cognitive deficits, such as memory and executive functioning, as therapy progresses. This makes attention retraining a logical first step in rehabilitation following a traumatic brain injury.