Question selection and quality

Our question bank is developed based on validated instruments and scientific literature from neuropsychology and developmental psychology. The questions are inspired by established measurement instruments for executive functions, including the BRIEF (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function) and related assessments used in clinical practice.

The theoretical basis rests on the model of executive functions described by Gioia, Isquith, Guy and Kenworthy, complemented with insights from the neurodiversity paradigm as grounded by Thomas Armstrong and Judy Singer. This paradigm guides our affirmative approach to neurological variation.

The question bank covers eight core areas of executive functioning: attention and focus, impulse control, cognitive flexibility, organisational skills, planning and prioritisation, working memory, emotion regulation and task initiation. These domains correspond to the scientific consensus on the components of executive functioning.

All items are developed in three developmentally tailored variants for children aged 8-11, young people aged 12-14, and adolescents aged 15-18. The multi-informant design enables systematic comparison between the parent perspective and the child's self-report. Research shows that perception differences between informants yield valuable insights.

Our wording follows the principles of neurodiversity-affirming communication. This means we consistently apply strengths-based language and avoid pathologising terminology. Neurological differences are presented as variation in human functioning, not as deficits.

The adaptive assessment follows a layered structure. Screening items provide a global view of functioning per domain. Deepening items are conditionally triggered when scores warrant further investigation. Strength items inventorise compensation strategies and contexts in which the child functions optimally.

Our development pipeline safeguards the quality of every question. New items are drafted according to guidelines for neurodiversity-affirming wording, with an extensive list of pathologising terms automatically excluded. Every item goes through automated validation for technical correctness, including checks on unique answer values, correct scoring direction, and consistency between question and answer scale. An AI-assisted review system checks semantic quality. Finally, human review ensures clinical relevance and comprehensibility for the target audience.

MindNavigator is an educational tool for self-insight and preparation for professional guidance. The assessment does not replace clinical diagnostics but supports families in developing a nuanced understanding of their child's cognitive profile.