Perception

Physical Communication Cognitive Behavioural / Emotional

Perception is the process within the brain of the interpretation of the information it is receiving through the senses. It is how we ‘see’ the world around us. This ability to process this sensory information may be damaged following a brain injury.

Sight is the sense most often disrupted following a brain injury. This may result in problems such as not being able to recognise objects or faces, losing the ability to see on one side, being unable to judge distances between the person and an object, or phenomena such as unilateral neglect which is a condition where a person may not be aware of the existence of one side of their body. Other senses such as hearing, taste, touch or smell can all be affected in various ways.

A brain injury can also affect the perception of time. We all have an inbuilt ‘clock’. Disruption of this sense of time may for example result in someone spending 4 hours in a shower and not be aware of how long they have been there.


"Brain development is complex and prolonged. Brain plasticity is influenced by a range of factors. Plasticity provides a base for neuro-rehab therapies and treatment"
Professor Bryan Kolb; Canada
"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
"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
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
"With support parents cope better so the child has a better recovery"
Andrea Palacio-Navarro; Spain
"Parent-supported interventions after paediatric ABI bring reductions to the cost to society"
Eric Hermans; Netherlands
"Strength-based family intervention after pediatric ABI is essential. Parents need to be equipped with the skills to cope and advocate for the child."
Caron Gan; Canada
"We are impressed with the progress you have made with the individual we referred to you."  Social Worker    
This is the best support plan we have ever seen that will deliver the best outcomes for this young person.  The costings are 'spot on' and realistic'.  Direct Payments Team.  
"Different 'experts' involved in paediatric neuro-rehabilitation come from different organisational cultures which causes conflict and has a negative effect on the outcomes for the child."
Barbara O'Connell; Ireland

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.

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