Problem Solving

Physical	Communication	Cognitive	Behavioural / Emotional

The term “problem solving” is used to describe how we deal with everyday difficulties. When we problem solve we apply a set of rules to everyday problems to solve them quickly and successfully. After brain injury, problems often seem to pile up and people may feel so overwhelmed that they may give up trying to solve their problems.

Persons with a brain injury or their families may get conflicting advice from other family members, friends, and professionals making it even more difficult to decide what steps to take. Survivors and families often find that resources are limited after brain injury. Money is a problem for those who stop working. Support from friends and outside family members may also be hard to find.

Signs that someone may have difficulty with problem solving are:

Individuals with TBI may not recognize there is a problem, which is the first step in problem-solving.
They may have trouble analysing information or being flexible in the way they think.
They may have difficulty deciding the best solution, or get stuck on one solution and not consider other, better options.
They may make quick decisions without thinking about the consequences, or not use the best judgment.

Strategies for problem solving:

A speech therapist or psychologist experienced in cognitive rehabilitation can teach an organized approach for daily problem-solving.
Work through a step-by-step problem-solving strategy in writing
Define the problem
List possible solutions
List the pros and cons of each solution
Pick a solution to try
Evaluate the success of the solution
Try another solution if the first one doesn’t work.

"More play increases brain plasticity and makes for better recovery post brain injury"

Professor Bryan Kolb; Canada

I was very impressed with the results you have had with the young people you have worked with.

"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

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

"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

"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

"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

"Pediatric neuro-rehabilitation cannot be delivered in isolation. The needs of the child have to be looked at both holistically and within the context of the family unit. Parents need to be empowered to be parents in post-acute pediatric neuro-rehabilitation following brain injury"

The Children's Trust; United Kingdom

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

Shari Wade; USA

"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

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.