Symbolic Thinking

The Symbolic Thinking cognitive function is crucial for reasoning, planning, problem-solving, setting goals, executing tasks, and maintaining focus until the task is completed, or the solution is found.

Symbolic Thinking is Involved in:

critical thinking

mental initiative

executing tasks

being self-directed in learning

self regulation

quickly gaining the main idea of what is read or heard rather than getting lost in the details

generating strategies to solve problems

goal setting

self organisation

using feedback to improve performance

maintaining focused attention

Signs of a Difficulty in this Cognitive Funtion

"bogged down" - struggle to generate solutions to problems so is frequently getting stuck and may need to rely on other people's help to solve problems

difficulty beginning a task - when given a task (say an essay or a work project) they often don't know where to start and so they do nothing

struggle maintaining focus - attention frequently wanders and it is difficult to maintain focus on a task to successfully complete it

difficulty with self-reflection, learning from mistakes

often disorganised, lacking self-directed organisation

seen as being disorganised, scattered, or impulsive

struggle with planning

limited consequential thinking - struggle with thinking through a plan of action, considering the various outcomes or consequences that might occur and then embarking on the plan that will generate the most positive outcome

Discover Your Unique Cognitive Profile

Arrowsmith Cognitive Questionnaire

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Take our 30-minute cognitive profile questionnaire to start the journey into understanding your brain's strengths and weaknesses through a cognitive lens.

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Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment

The Arrowsmith Cognitive Assessment, administered by an Arrowsmith trained professional, will provide you with an in-depth insight into your unique cognitive profile.

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Our Brain's Air Traffic Controller

Picture the world's busiest airport during the holiday season, in the midst of a snowstorm. At this critical moment, the air traffic controller's role is indispensable. They manage the constant flow of arriving and departing planes across numerous runways.

Navigating aircraft through flight paths and looming storms, they must remain focused, process information swiftly, adapt to changing conditions, and avoid distractions. They make decisions based on new data, adjust plans accordingly, and maintain composure amid chaos. This scenario parallels our brain's Symbolic Thinking function.

Essential in Skills Such As:

Critical thinking

Decision making

Time management

Self discipline

Leadership

Multi-tasking

Studying and taking exams

Research

Setting and achieving goals

Our Solutions: