Social Judgement

Physical Communication Cognitive Behavioural / Emotional

Acquired brain injury may affect social judgement as a result of disinhibition or an inability to be able to read social clues. Disinhibition is a lack of restraint which is shown as disregard for social conventions, impulsivity, and poor risk assessment.

Disinhibited behaviour occurs when people no longer follow the social rules about what or where to say or do something. They may present as rude, tactless or even offensive. A person with a brain injury may make a comment without realising its impact on others or make a joke that is inappropriate in the context.

A person with a brain injury may enter another person’s ‘personal space’ without being aware that it is uncomfortable for them. They may not understand the ‘rules of conversation’ and talk without letting the other person speak, over-talk another person, or have difficulty staying ‘on topic’ which can be frustrating for others.

People with impaired social judgement may have other more problematic behaviours, such as verbal or physical aggression, socially inappropriate behaviour, sexual disinhibition, wandering, and repetitive behaviour.

With support and rehabilitation, social problems do improve for people with acquired brain injury but it is necessary for them to understand that there is an issue and be prepared to work on it.


"Case management for children and young people post acquired brain injury is 'pivotal' to successful outcomes and must be local"
Deborah Andrews; New Zealand
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"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
"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
"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
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
"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
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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.  
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Lucia Braga; Brazil

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.

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