Speech and Language Therapist’s with specialist knowledge in brain injury are keen to share their knowledge & skills

This month’s Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy Bulletin, was encouraging Speech and Language therapists to be aware of the needs of children and young people who has experienced a brain injury.

It reports “Each year 3000 children have a significant brain injury and many will require ongoing rehabilitation and support in the community through school and into their adult life.”

• A road traffic accident

• As a result of a fall

• An acute conditions – such as a stroke, a tumor

• As a result of medication

  One of our young people – Karl, headed up the article, showing him work in his school.  

  “There are many misconceptions surrounding brain injury that may affect how they access services. For example some clinicians can perceive that children fare better than their adult counterparts, or that the younger the child at onset, the better the outcome. Sadly, this is not always the case and many children fail to receive the support they need because it is not deemed necessary. Children with brain injuries are at risk of failure in school and higher education, and can be prevented form living independently by their physical, cognitive , communication and emotional difficulties. There is an inequity in the system that leads to some children being discharged home having never seen a speech and language therapist in the acute hospital.” 

The article goes on to say;  

‘The outcomes for children at The Children’s Trust (Tadworth) include; 

• Be healthy

• Stay safe

• Enjoy

• Achieve

• Make a positive contribution

• Achieve economic well being

Here at Integrated Treatment Services, our therapist’s receive several referrals per month from families, case managers and solicitors looking who are looking for a multi disciplinary team to support a child and young person who has experienced a brain injury.

We believe strongly that intensive therapy from a consistent therapy team, is the key to supporting a young persons rehabilitation and in order to effectively support the family around the child.  

Mark Allcock, Sandra Youlden and I have readily worked with young children and young people recovering from a traumatic injury. We are skilled in working to develop alternative means of communication initially; using switches, low tech communication charts and so fourth as well as working directly with on their language and speech skills, to support regaining skills that had been lost. We are also aware of the need to work closely with our multi-disciplinary colleagues. Shelley our Creative Expressive Therapist offers some excellent therapy sessions to motivate the child or young person to communicate, taking the emphasis off speech and exploring all the different means to express their emotions, their needs and their desires.  

If you are in need of support for your child or client, then do not hesitate to contact Sarah, for a personalised discussion around your specific needs. We shall endeavour to provide some excellent therapy support, or point you in the right direction to other services you might need. You can also call Sarah on 01509 600646 / 07841 197098.  

Also look at out links page, for excellent support services around child brain injury.