Insight

Physical Communication Cognitive Behavioural / Emotional

Insight is the awareness of yourself and others. As a result of a brain injury, a person may not be aware of the effect their behaviour may have on others, and consequently do not understand the need to change or modify their behaviour.

Following a brain injury, some people may understand their physical problems but have a limited understanding of their cognitive problems. They may have an awareness of their difficulties but be unable to understand how they then impact on them in their daily life.

People with a brain injury may understanding that they are not the person they used to be, but at the same time do not ‘feel’ any different. They may experience difficulties but not understand that their lack of insight into their behaviour may be exacerbating their problems.

Insight does usually develop over time but some people may never fully regain their awareness of their self and others. They may continue to struggle with social and professional situations and have poor interpersonal and social skills.

Non critical feedback from family, friends and colleagues can assist a person with a brain injury to gain some insight into their behaviour and its effects on others.


"Parent-supported interventions after paediatric ABI bring reductions to the cost to society"
Eric Hermans; Netherlands
"We need to harness the power of brain plasticity for treating children and young people with brain injury, especially at the key ages of 0-3 and at ages 10-16"
Professor Bryan Kolb; Canada
"Participation in teen sports and normal activities leads to improved quality of life for children and young people post brain injury and helps to maximise outcomes"
Claire Willis; Australia
"Case management for children and young people post acquired brain injury is 'pivotal' to successful outcomes and must be local"
Deborah Andrews; New Zealand
"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
"Our 10 year study proves that family-led home-based neuro-rehab interventions deliver the best outcomes for children and young people"
Lucia Braga; Brazil
"With support parents cope better so the child has a better recovery"
Andrea Palacio-Navarro; Spain
"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
"Positive and coordinated neuro-rehab interventions for children and young people is proven to bring health improvements; improve independence; reduces the need for sheltered living; decreases vulnerability; decreases drop-out rates in schools; decreases youth offending"
Eric Hermans; Netherlands
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

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.

Council for Disabled Children Community Funded Charity Excellence Lottery Funded Youth Foundation BBC CiN