Language Deficits

Physical	Communication	Cognitive	Behavioural / Emotional

Communication deficits are often characterized by difficulty in understanding or producing speech correctly (aphasia), slurred speech consequent to weak muscles (dysarthria), and/or difficulty in programming oral muscles for speech production (apraxia). It may be an effort for individuals with ABI to understand both written and spoken messages; they may behave as if they are trying to comprehend a foreign language. They may also have difficulty with spelling, writing, and reading. Some individuals may also have difficulty in social communication, such as difficulty taking turns in conversation and problems maintaining a topic of conversation. Individuals with TBI may have little or no awareness of just how inappropriate their behaviours are.

"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

"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

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

"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

"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

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

"Often families don't have the financial capability to access services. We need to rethink how we deliver neuro-rehab services to children and young people"

Vicki Anderson; Australia

"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

"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

"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 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.