Neuro-rehabilitation

What does neuro-rehabilitation do?
‘Rehabilitation aims to reduce the impact of (brain) injury by restoration of damaged function, or compensation for lost function, within the limitations of underlying disease, to optimise physical, cognitive, psychological and social function.’ (Seeley & Hutchinson, 2006)

What do we know?
From adult studies of traumatic brain injury:
Better access to neuro-rehabilitation associated with better outcomes means people:

are more likely to be discharged home
have a shorter hospital stay
have better functional outcome which was maintained after period of rehabilitation has ended *
decreases levels of distress of carers *

* This is is the main focus of our charitable work and where we add value to existing NHS provision.

Additionally, the outcome of a paediatric acquired brain injury is related to family function, economic factors and social support. Neuro-rehabilitation is therefore not just about physiotherapy, occupational therapy ,speech and language therapy etc. Children, young people and their families need lots of ongoing support during the neuro-rehabilitation journey; and for long after the usual therapy interventions have ended.

Neuro-rehabilitation is most effective if:

It is delivered by a coordinated multi-disciplinary team with an interdisciplinary approach

There is goal setting and assessment

There is a key worker to communicate and provide advocacy for the child and the family

It is individually tailored to need

Is seamless

It is meaningful and delivered in relevant context

An appropriate level of therapy and support is provided

Access to suitable educational provision is available

Psychological needs are addressed

It involves and supports the family

Post discharge is where these very vulnerable children are most at risk of not receiving the help and support they need, due to a lack of understanding of their hidden disabilities. Working in partnership with parents and professionals, we coordinate the ongoing needs of brain injured children and young people across a range of community organisations; ensuring their ongoing and often changing needs continue to be met. Without us, this does not happen and the needs of this vulnerable cohort often go unrecognised and unsupported.

"There are problems with getting people into neuro-rehab centres. Those most in need are often those most excluded due to a lack of socio-economic resources."

Vicki Anderson; Australia

"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

"We would like to see earlier identification and support for children with brain injuries to help them succeed in school."

Dalton Leong; Chief Executive of the Children's Trust

"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

"Taking brain injured children home causes high stress for families. Disjointed services exacerbate family stress levels."

Deborah Andrews; New Zealand

"Intensive and individualized approaches work. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't. You have to make it relevant to the child."

Recolo; United Kingdom

"New parenting support intervention showed how parenting style is related to executive dysfunction in children and young people post brain injury. With support parents cope better so the child has a better recovery"

Andrea Palacio-Navarro; Spain

"Case management for children and young people post acquired brain injury is 'pivotal' to successful outcomes and must be local"

Deborah Andrews; New Zealand

"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

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

Vicki Anderson; Australia

OUR MISSION: To work to remove (health) inequalities for children & young people affected by acquired brain injury; and provide effective support to their families that makes a real difference.