FSTAC - Linking Function with Cognitive Performance

Normative data now available - FSTAC Norms
The Functional Standardized Touchscreen Assessment of Cognition (FSTAC) is the first of it's kind in cognitive screening tools.

FSTAC provides 14 functional tasks for a person to complete and then provides a report on functional & cognitive performance.

One of the features that makes FSTAC so valuable is the integration of real life distractions, such as text messages, phone messages and noise. These distractions in the setting of a cognitively complex task provide the perfect setting to assess a person's cognitive abilities and breakdowns.

Clinicians can now observe their clients performing functional tasks that range from simple to complex utilizing current technology.  

Technology can provide greater contextual validity when compared to similar traditional functional measures.  For example, the FSTAC can exactly simulate a phone call with an automated payment system (image 1), which would be difficult to assess with traditional measures.

App Review

Amazing!!! As a speech therapist in an outpatient neuro rehab hospital-based clinic, I am constantly seeking innovative tools to  better serve my patients. My recent encounter with the F-STAC cognitive assessment left me nothing short of amazed. This comprehensive tool excels in evaluating crucial cognitive domains essential for rehabilitation, making it a must-have for occupational therapists (OTs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with adults. The F-STAC assessment offers a thorough evaluation of visual attention, sustained attention, problem solving, following directions, working memory, recent memory, and remote recall. What truly sets it apart is its integration of real-life tasks, mirroring modern-day activities like bill paying, grocery shopping, and scheduling appointments. This contextualized approach not only provides a more accurate assessment but also ensures relevance to the challenges individuals face in their daily lives. Drawing parallels to the ALFA assessment, the F-STAC goes a step further by simulating smartphone/ tablet usage. This feature captures the intricacies of navigating digital platforms—a vital skill in today's society. I was particularly impressed by the seamless performance of the app. Its smooth interface and glitch-free operation instilled confidence in its reliability, crucial factors in any assessment tool.  The cherry on top is the beautiful report the app generates, which I can then upload directly into EPIC. Effortless documentation! While the F-STAC undoubtedly enriches my testing arsenal, I see potential for further enhancement, particularly in linguistic assessments. As an SLP, I believe integrating additional linguistic assessments would further amplify its utility in diagnosing and treating cognitive-linguistic deficits. The F-STAC cognitive assessment is a game-changer for rehabilitation professionals. Its comprehensive evaluation, real-world simulation, and seamless performance make it indispensable for OTs and SLPs alike. I wholeheartedly recommend it to my colleagues, confident that it will elevate the standard of care for our patients.
**I had the privilege of accessing the assessment for review purposes, but my endorsement is based solely on its exceptional quality and utility in clinical practice.**

Chana Breuer, MS CCC-SLP
Speech Pathologist
Outpatient Neurologic Rehabilitation Clinic
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Image 1: Screenshot of Bill Pay Subtest
Quotes from other FSTAC Users


"This app is very innovative and much needed in the world of cognitive assessment"

"I've been looking for a new assessment to utilize in acute care and FSTAC is a great one!"

"I tried FSTAC today for the first time, and it's wonderful!"

"I'm a speech language pathologist and I frequently use FSTAC and overall I really love it!"

​"I believe this assessment is quite the gem!"

Cognitive Areas Assessed

  • General Knowledge
  • Functional math
  • Auditory & Visual attention
  • Auditory & Visual Short term memory
  • Working memory
  • Language/Reading
  • Language Auditory Comprehension
  • Visual/Spatial
  • Executive Function (Flexibility, Org, Prob solving)
  • Insight/Awareness of performance

Functional Areas Assessed

  • Money ID/Valuation (USD and Canadian)
  • Medication management
  • Safety
  • Cash management: paying and making change (USD and Canadian)
  • Grocery shopping - Organization, planning
  • Story listen and recall
  • Bill pay over phone
  • Appointment rescheduling
  • Handling normal distractions
  • Recalling tasks to do in a day

Examples of FSTAC Subtests

Medication Management

Functional Task:

Person sorts 3 medications into a pill box.



Cognitive Areas Assessed:
  1. General Knowledge
  2. Safety
  3. Visual/Aud Attention
  4. Language/Reading/Aud Comp
  5. Executive Fxn - Organization

Key Feature:
  1. 3 distractors built in.

Grocery Shopping

Functional Task:

Person given a list of items to obtain at the store. List in random order.
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Cognitive Areas Assessed:
  1. Visual/Aud Memory
  2. Working Memory
  3. Language - Reading/Aud Comp
  4. Visual/Spatial
  5. Executive Function - Organization

Key Features:
  1. Text message to obtain an item not on list.
  2. Prescription pick up at Pharmacy that was cued earlier in test.
  3. Background supermarket Sound

Paying / Making Change

Functional Task:

Person identifies currency by name and value. Then pays and makes change using available currency on screen.

Cognitive Areas Assessed:
  1. General knowledge
  2. Functional Math
  3. Problem Solving
  4. Mental Flexibility
  5. Visual Attention

​*Available in both USD and Canadian