Poor Initiation

Physical	Communication	Cognitive	Behavioural / Emotional

Poor initiation is a possible consequence of brain injury. The person may have difficulty starting things unless prompted or assisted by others. They may be aware that something needs to be done but do not make a start on it. This can be frustrating for others.

The use of structure and routine assists with initiation of tasks. Following a predictable and known routine together with the breaking down of activities into manageable steps assists a person with a brain injury to be able to start to initiate tasks for themselves. The use of checklists, reminders in a mobile telephone or planners all help. Start with routines that are familiar and link tasks that would occur together or in consequence of the preceding task.

Again, this is something that can improve in time.

"NHS clinicians struggle with what intervention to prioritise in paediatric neuro-rehabilitation due to limited clinical time and the complexity of needs. Children, clinicians, parents and schools all have different neuro-rehabilitation priorities"

Recolo; United Kingdom

"Parent-supported interventions after paediatric ABI bring reductions to the cost to society"

Eric Hermans; Netherlands

"Taking brain injured children home causes high stress for families. Disjointed services exacerbate family stress levels."

Deborah Andrews; New Zealand

"Thousands of children and young people living in the UK today without the help and support that can make a huge difference to their lives"

Dalton Leong; Chief Executive of the Children's Trust

"When different organisations assess different aspects of a child's neuro-rehabilitation needs, everyone looks at things from a different perspective and have conflicting priorities"

Cathy Jonson; Rehab without Walls; United Kingdom.

Child 1 - Aged 14 and 3 years after a traumatic brain injury

	2019	2020	Change
REASONING	301/800	426/800	+ 125
MEMORY	181/800	304/800	+ 123
ATTENTION	463/800	573/800	+ 110
COORDINATION	47/800	309/800	+ 262
PERCEPTION	158/800	374/800	+ 216

"Healthy teens are better at identifying strategies to deal with barriers. KIDS WITH ABI'S CAN'T!"

Shari Wade; USA

"There are problems with getting people into neuro-rehab. Those most in need are often those most excluded due to a lack of socio-economic resources."

Vicki Anderson; Australia

"Too often children and young people with ABI are discharged from hospital without specialist brain support that they and their families need to overcome lifelong challenges"

Andrew Ross; former Chief Executive of the Children's Trust

"My colleague was blown away by the tremendous work your organisation is doing for society." Social Worker

OUR MISSION: To work to remove inequalities for children & young people affected by acquired brain injury; and provide effective support to their families that makes a real difference to their lives.