7. Social / Physical / Sexuality / Fatigue /Mental health

The effects of ABI vary greatly from person to person

The effects of ABI vary greatly from person to person. It depends on factors such as the particular part of the brain that is injured, the seriousness of the injury, the treatment and support the child receives after the ABI, the child’s stage of development and learning prior to the injury, and other factors including general health and personality.

An ABI can result in changes to a range of areas, including a child’s physical, cognitive (thinking), communication, behaviour, or emotional abilities. These changes can be temporary or permanent, and some may not show up until some years after the initial injury, as the child develops and is challenged to learn more complex skills and tasks.

An ABI is often referred to as a hidden disability because the effects of the injury are not always physically obvious. For example, cognitive abilities such as memory, abstract thinking, attention and judgment can all be seriously and permanently affected without the presence of any physical injuries.

A unique mix of strategies is required for each child with an ABI

Given the effects of ABI vary greatly from person to person a unique mix of strategies is required for each child with an ABI.

 

 

 

Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Step by Step

Tool

(Browse in window below)

New
Tab

Description
Brain injury Social skills  A fact sheet from the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne which provides information about social skills and paediatric brain injury
Communication and Friendship Information and advice for young people as part of "The next step" transition package on communication and friendship
Parents guide - Building social skills fact sheet A guide for parents to support the growth of social skills in their child with brain injury
TBI staff training conversation tips Conversation tips and managing tricky social situations from "The next Step" transition pack.

 

 

 

Factsheets and Documents

Resource

(Browse in window below)

 New
Tab

Description
Physiotherapy Exercises
NEW TAB ONLY		 Easy to use exercise provision for consumers with the function to create individualised programs.        

Practical Tools On-line

Tool

(Browse in window below)

New
Tab

Description
Young children Synapse fact sheet for parents regarding sexual development of young children and brain injury including ways to talk with your child
Sexuality and brain injury Introductory information for youth about sexuality and brain injury from "The next step" transition toolkit.
Emerging sexuality Synapse fact sheet for parents regarding emerging sexuality and their child.

 

Other Resources

Resource

(Browse in window below)

New
Tab

Description
Fatigue Scales - MWBIRP    Practical tools for working with children and teaching self regulation strategies.
Fatigue and Traumatic Brain Injury A fact sheet explaining different sorts of fatigue post brain injury and management strategies.
Fatigue diary - MWBIRP Example of a diary format for monitoring fatigue and activity levels
Brain injury - Cognitive fatigue A fact sheet for identifying and managing fatigue following paediatric brain injury.

 

Other Resources

Resource

(Browse in window below)

New
Tab

Description
Mental health concerns and ABI    This is a detailed manual developed by ARBIAS Brainlink and Headway Victoria specific to mental health concerns and ABI in adults. While not  a paediatric focussed resource it may provide useful background knowledge in conjunction with appropriate specialised ABI/mental health paediatric care.   
Beyond Blue Information and support options specifically for youth including 24 hour phone line support and specified hours online chat support.
NSW Education system NSW education system information including counselling services, anti bullying information, child safety and mandatory reporting