Children, Young People and Families:
Acquired and Traumatic Brain Injury Service
Evidence-based, gold standard, NICE compliant, person-centred care
Brain injuries in childhood present a distinct set of challenges in terms of the age of an injury and the consequences for the young person and their development. When a brain injury occurs from birth or early in life, development unfolds along a different path, potentially affecting the acquisition of fundamental skills in ways not seen in later-onset injuries.
Even when acquired later in childhood, a brain injury disrupts ongoing developmental processes, influencing cognitive, emotional, and social growth in profound ways.
We offer neuropsychological assessment and interventions tailored to these specific needs, recognizing the critical role of family in navigating these complex journeys.
Acquired Brain Injuries in Children and Young People
Acquired brain injuries in young people can results from different types of injury and relate to a range of presenting difficulties that are unique following injuries to the developing brain. We work with children, adolescents, young people (under 25) and their families, who have experienced a range of brain injury related conditions, including:
Brain Injuries at Birth
Brain injuries during pregnancy or at birth can have devastating, lifelong consequences. These injuries may stem from various factors, including oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) during delivery, maternal infections, or physical trauma.
Complications during birth, such as prolonged labour or the misuse of assistive devices, can also lead to infant brain damage. These early injuries can disrupt critical developmental processes, potentially causing cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges.
Early identification and intervention are crucial to optimize outcomes and provide necessary support for affected children and their families.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in childhood can have devastating, lifelong consequences. These injuries typically result from external forces, including falls, accidents, or abuse.
Unlike injuries at birth, TBIs in childhood occur in a developing brain that has already established some connections. These injuries can disrupt ongoing developmental processes, potentially causing cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges.
The impact can vary widely, affecting areas such as language, learning, behavior, and social skills. Identifying and intervening early is critical in both optimizing outcomes and delivering the necessary support to affected children and their families.
Other Acquired Brain Injuries
Other acquired injuries may be due to various conditions, such as infections like meningitis and encephalitis, which cause inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes. Other causes include: vascular events like strokes; oxygen deprivation (hypoxia/anoxia) from events such as near-drowning; brain tumors; and toxic exposures.
These injuries can lead to a range of impairments, including cognitive deficits (e.g., learning disabilities, memory problems), physical disabilities (e.g., motor skill issues), and behavioral changes. The severity and long-term effects vary depending on the young person's age, the condition's severity, and the timeliness of treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for minimizing damage and supporting the young person's recovery.
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP), caused by early brain damage, primarily affects movement, but can also impact cognitive functions and emotional wellbeing.
Children with CP may experience challenges with attention, memory, language, and executive functions. However, the severity of cognitive impairment varies.
Neuropsychological assessments are crucial for identifying specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses, informing targeted interventions like cognitive rehabilitation and educational support. A multidisciplinary approach, involving various specialists, is essential to optimize cognitive development and enhance the overall quality of life for children and young people with CP.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy in children after acquired brain injury (ABI) occurs when the injury disrupts normal brain activity, leading to recurrent seizures. These seizures can vary in type and severity, impacting a child's neurological function.
Neuropsychological evaluation can help address any associated cognitive or behavioural difficulties, supporting a comprehensive treatment approach. Epilepsy can affect attention, memory, and processing speed. These cognitive changes can impact learning, behaviour, and emotional well-being.
Neuropsychological assessment can pinpoint these challenges, guiding targeted interventions to support the child’s overall development and functioning.
Neurodiversity
Acquired brain injury (ABI) in children and young people can disrupt typical brain development, potentially leading to neurodevelopmental disorders.
The injury can alter neural pathways and affect regions critical for attention, social interaction, and behavior. This can elevate the risk of conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The timing and severity of the ABI influence the likelihood and nature of these disorders, with early, severe injuries carrying a higher risk. Neuropsychological assessments are vital for early identification and intervention, optimizing outcomes.
We accept self-referrals from parents, carers and relatives, young people and educational institutions.
We also accept referrals from professionals including GP's, therapy and health professionals, psychiatrists, neurologists, social care staff, case managers, solicitors, Court of Protection teams and financial deputies and insurers.
Learn more about our personal injury and clinical negligence service for children, adolescents and young people under 25 years old) here
Neuropsychological Assessment Services
Brain injuries have a unique impact on a young person and their development and we believe that assessment and intervention should be tailored to the needs of the young person and their family. When we receive a referral, we aim to discuss the young person's background, the needs of family members, the nature of the injury and impact on development and assessment and rehabilitation needs, to provide a plan for a comprehensive assessment that is tailored to the young person, useful and cost-effective.
Neuropsychological assessments can include a range of approaches and we can provide a bespoke costing that works best based on a client's needs and circumstances.
Initial Assessment
A clinical interview offers a dedicated time for a Clinical Psychologist or Neuropsychologist to chat with a young person and their family. This helps us get a good understanding of the child or adolescent's background, any specific difficulties they've been experiencing, and their particular strengths. We'll also explore their goals for any support or rehabilitation.
Typically lasting between one and one and a half hours, this interview might also involve some further assessment of their cognitive skills – what we sometimes call "thinking skills" – and we may also gather helpful information from family members, friends, and other professionals involved in their care.
Attainment Assessment
Attainment assessments for young people provide a detailed look at their academic achievements across different subjects, such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
These assessments utilise a range of methods, including standardised tests, curriculum-based measures, and sometimes observations of classroom performance.
The aim is to pinpoint a young person's current level of understanding and skill, highlighting both their areas of proficiency and any specific learning needs that might require targeted support or adjustments in their educational approach. This information is invaluable for educators and parents in tailoring learning experiences to help each child or adolescent reach their full potential.
Cognitive Assessment
Cognitive assessments for children and young people offer a comprehensive evaluation of their various thinking skills and abilities.
These assessments delve into areas such as memory, attention, processing speed, problem-solving, language skills, and visual-spatial abilities.
Through the use of standardised tests and engaging tasks, neuropsychologists can gain a deeper understanding of a child's cognitive strengths and any specific challenges they might be facing. This detailed information helps to identify potential learning difficulties, developmental delays, or the impact of neurological conditions, ultimately informing tailored recommendations for support, intervention strategies, and educational planning to help the young person thrive.
Meeting with Family
As part of our comprehensive assessment process, we often hold meetings with parents, carers and/or other important relatives. These sessions are incredibly valuable in helping us build a well-rounded understanding of how a child or young person is functioning in their daily life.
Your insights provide crucial information about their learning, behaviour, social interactions, and any challenges you might be observing at home and in other environments.
These meetings also focus on any impact the young person's difficulties may be having on the wider family. By working together, we can gain a clearer picture and create a more tailored and supportive plan for your child or adolescent.
Collection of Information from Education Provider
To gain a full understanding of a child or young person's learning and development, we often collaborate closely with their schools, teachers, and other education providers.
With your consent, we'll gather valuable insights into their academic progress, learning style, classroom behaviour, and any support needs.
Information from educators provides a crucial perspective on how the young person is functioning within the educational setting, highlighting their strengths and any areas where they might be facing challenges. This collaborative approach ensures that our assessment takes into account their experiences in school, allowing us to develop more comprehensive and effective recommendations to support their learning journey.
School
Observation
Visit
To get a complete picture of a child or young person's learning, we may, with your agreement, visit their school. Observing them in their academic environment provides valuable insights into their learning style, classroom behaviour, and how they interact with peers and teachers. This helps us understand their strengths and any challenges they face in school, contributing to a more thorough assessment and effective support recommendations.
Furthermore, school visits foster stronger collaboration with teachers and other educational professionals. By observing the young person in their learning environment, we can have more informed discussions with school staff about their progress, any support they are currently receiving, and how we can work together to develop the most effective recommendations for their educational development.
Behavioural Assessment, Monitoring and Analysis
Our services offer comprehensive behavioural assessment, monitoring, and analysis to thoroughly understand a child or young person's actions. Through direct observation, interviews with key individuals, and standardised tools, we identify behaviour patterns, triggers, and contributing factors.
Our clinicians carefully analyse this information to develop a clear understanding of the behaviour and its impact. We can also implement monitoring strategies to track changes and evaluate interventions. This detailed analysis informs tailored behaviour support plans, developed collaboratively with families and schools to promote positive changes and enhance the young person's well-being. Our aim is to provide practical, evidence-based strategies based on a thorough understanding of their behavioural profile.
Child and Adolescent Neuropsychological Assessment Reports
At the heart of our service is a commitment to providing neuropsychological assessment reports of the highest quality. We understand the importance of detailed and well-structured reports in facilitating effective support and rehabilitation.
We take great care in synthesising the information gathered from clinical interviews, cognitive testing, observations, and corroborative evidence from families and schools into a coherent and insightful narrative. Our goal is to provide a detailed picture of the young person's strengths, challenges, and any specific needs identified through the assessment process. This thoroughness ensures that our reports serve as a valuable resource for understanding the individual's profile and planning appropriate interventions and support strategies.
Neuropsychological Interventions
for Children, Young People and Families
Acquired and traumatic brain injuries can vary in their severity, based on a number of factors. Children and young people can be impacted by acquired brain injuries from birth to early childhood to middle-late childhood, leading to a range of unique challenges.
Brain injuries impact every young person and family differently, and neuropsychological interventions and rehabilitation need to be adapted based on the young person's unique brain injury presentation, journey, and needs.
Following an assessment, we will provide recommendations for ongoing support, including neuropsychological rehabilitation and therapy.
Brain Injury Education
Our specialised brain injury education interventions equip referrers, children, young people, and their families with essential knowledge regarding the multifaceted impact of acquired or traumatic brain injury across developmental stages and following acute injury.
Tailored sessions address potential cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and physical consequences, providing accessible explanations relevant to learning, social interaction, and daily functioning.
For families and carers, we offer guidance on understanding changes, fostering communication, and accessing support.
For young people, education promotes self-awareness, self-esteem and coping strategies.
These services aim to empower children or young person in their recovery and development.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Following a brain injury, the specific cognitive challenges experienced by children and adolescents can vary depending on the injury's location, type, and the brain networks affected.
These difficulties may manifest in areas such as memory and learning, executive functions (including decision-making, planning, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, initiation, problem-solving, and reasoning), attention and concentration, processing speed, visual perception, language skills (e.g., word-finding, reading, writing), and numerical processing.
For children and young people, the impact of these difficulties has significant implications for educational attainment and coping in a school or educational environment.
Cognitive rehabilitation employs evidence-based strategies and training to improve or compensate for the functional impact of these cognitive difficulties on daily life.
Our cognitive rehabilitation programmes are tailored to each individual young person, based on their social, academic and day-to-day needs.
Working with Parents/Caregivers
For parents of children and adolescents who may face challenges accessing direct neuropsychological intervention due to age or brain injury-related difficulties, we offer indirect support via parents/caregivers.
These interventions equip parents/caregivers with the knowledge and strategies to effectively support their child's recovery and development. Examples include guidance on managing challenging behaviours, managing sleep difficulties, creating supportive communication strategies, implementing environmental modifications to aid organisation and reduce distractions, and fostering independence in daily living skills.
By empowering parents, we aim to create a consistent and supportive home environment that complements any direct therapies the young person may be receiving or provides crucial support when direct intervention is not currently feasible.
Adapted Talking Therapies
Following a brain injury, children and young people may experience emotional and psychological challenges.
Our adapted talking therapies provide a safe and supportive space to explore these feelings and develop coping strategies.
We understand that brain injury can impact communication, attention, and processing, so our therapists utilise flexible and tailored approaches. This might include shorter sessions, visual aids, simplified language, and incorporating sensory or movement-based activities.
We focus on addressing issues such as anxiety, low mood, anger management, and adjustment to changes resulting from the injury.
Our goal is to help young people build resilience, improve their emotional well-being, and enhance their ability to navigate the challenges they face in a way that is sensitive to their individual needs and cognitive abilities.
Supported Decision Making
When a young person has experienced a traumatic or acquired brain injury at birth, in childhood or during adolescence, the impact on the brain can lead to difficulties in decision-making.
The Mental Capacity Act (2005) can be utilised to safeguard a young person aged 16 years or over, if they are found to lack decision-making capacity.
Our specialist Clinical Psychologists in Neuropsychology are specialists in completing capacity assessment, including with young people aged 16+. In advance of capacity assessments though, it is importance to maximise an individual's knowledge, understanding and skills around a certain decision, to ensure that they have every opportunity to succeed. We offer tailored supported decision-making interventions, focused on the unique needs of this age group.
Behavioural Interventions
Behavioural changes following an injury can be distressing for the young person, family, educators, and healthcare professionals, often impacting daily routines, learning, and relationships.
Through structured behavioural monitoring and analysis, we gain valuable insights into the underlying factors contributing to behavioural challenges. This allows us to design tailored interventions that support young clients, including individualised behavioural management plans, family and school-based guidance, staff training, and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) frameworks.
By integrating evidence-based strategies with a young person person-centred approach, we aim to create supportive environments that foster resilience, emotional regulation, and meaningful recovery. Our goal is to empower children and adolescents in their rehabilitation journey, helping them rebuild confidence, regain autonomy, and thrive in their home, school, and community settings.
Supporting Independent Living Trials
Following a brain injury at birth or during childhood and adolescence, the development of day-to-day skills can be impacted. Young people in their late teens and their twenties may wish to move into independent accommodation, sometimes with carer and therapy support, but have never lived away from home before.
Not only does this impose all of the usually adjustments to living and caring for oneself that comes with the transition away from home, but this journey can be doubly impacted by a brain injury making this more tricky.
We work with young people and their families to support young people to transition into independent living, whilst also assisting with rehabilitation of skills following a brain injury. We aim to make this an empowering experience that is as least restrictive as possible whilst maintaining the needed support and safety.
Educational Support
Following an acquired brain injury (ABI), children and adolescents often face significant challenges in their education, requiring specialised support to navigate cognitive, behavioural, and emotional changes. Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) play a crucial role in ensuring that young learners receive tailored interventions that accommodate their unique needs, whether in school or college environments.
Our team provides structured neuropsychological rehabilitation to support educational access and progression. We work collaboratively with families, educators, and healthcare teams to develop strategies that enhance learning, emotional regulation, and independence. This includes adapting teaching methods, providing behavioural interventions, and fostering inclusive environments where students feel empowered to engage with their education and achieve their potential.
For adolescents and young adults recovering from ABI, entering the workforce—often for the first time—can be a daunting but pivotal step towards independence.
Cognitive challenges, fatigue, and emotional regulation difficulties may create barriers to employment, making structured vocational rehabilitation essential.
We specialise in supporting young people in their transition to work by providing tailored interventions, including job readiness training, workplace adaptations, and strategies to manage cognitive demands.
Our approach includes career guidance, mock interviews, CV support, and collaboration with employers to implement reasonable adjustments. By equipping young individuals with the skills and confidence they need, we help them build autonomy, succeed in their roles, and establish fulfilling career paths
Groups for Young People following Acquired Brain Injury
Recovering from a brain injury can be an isolating experience, particularly for young people navigating changes in cognition, emotion, and behaviour. Group rehabilitation programmes offer a supportive environment where adolescents can connect with peers facing similar challenges, share experiences, and build essential skills for their recovery journey.
Our group programmes focus on structured, evidence-based interventions that promote emotional regulation, social communication, and cognitive strategies. By fostering peer interaction and collaboration, we help young people develop resilience, confidence, and independence in a way that feels engaging and empowering.
We offer tailored group sessions that include:
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Social Skills & Communication Training – Helping young individuals improve interpersonal interactions, manage emotions, and develop confidence in social settings.
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Emotional Regulation & Coping Strategies – Teaching self-awareness and techniques for managing frustration, anxiety, and behavioural challenges post-injury.
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Cognitive Rehabilitation Workshops – Providing exercises to enhance memory, attention, and executive function skills in everyday situations.
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Vocational and Educational Preparation – Supporting adolescents in preparing for school, college, or first-time employment, with practical strategies for success.
By participating in group rehabilitation, young people benefit from a collaborative and encouraging space where they can strengthen their skills, regain autonomy, and build meaningful relationships on their path to recovery.
Services For Professionals Working with Children, Young People and Families with Acquired Brain Injuries
We offer a number of services for professionals working with clients and families following an acquired or traumatic brain injury
Case Consultation
Case consultation is a collaborative process that offers specialist neuropsychological guidance to teams working with children and young people when complex clinical, educational, or behavioural challenges arise. It provides a structured space where different perspectives can be heard, ensuring that families, educators, and healthcare professionals work together towards shared solutions.
For children and young people who may struggle with engagement—whether due to neurodevelopmental conditions, emotional difficulties, or barriers to accessing care—case consultation can be an effective way of reducing disruptions and ensuring coordinated support. By fostering proactive intervention, it can help prevent repeated service disengagement and offer strategies tailored to each child or young person's needs.
At Psychologia Ltd, we focus on helping teams develop clear, person-centred formulations that consider the multiple factors influencing a young person's well-being. Our approach prioritises psychologically informed, solution-based strategies that can be implemented across educational, clinical, and home settings, ensuring that families and professionals feel equipped to provide consistent and effective support
Training and Teaching
We provide specialist training and teaching for professionals supporting children, young people, and families following a brain injury.
Our tailored sessions are designed for educators, child and adolescent mental health teams, social workers, paediatric rehabilitation specialists, legal professionals involved in child welfare, and allied health teams working with young people.
We offer flexible, bespoke training in workplaces, clinic settings, schools, and at conferences and events, ensuring professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective, psychologically informed care.
Examples of Training Topics:
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Understanding the neuropsychological needs of children and young people
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Psychologically informed multi-disciplinary support for families
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Risk assessments in paediatric and adolescent settings
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Supporting emotional adjustment and behavioural changes post-brain injury
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Mental capacity and decision-making in young people
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Collaborative approaches between healthcare, education, and social care
We welcome enquiries for additional topics tailored to your organisation’s needs, ensuring teams receive the most relevant, evidence-based guidance for supporting children and families.
Clinical Supervision
Working with children and young people facing cognitive, emotional, and behavioural challenges is both deeply rewarding and demanding. Yet, professionals in education, healthcare, and social care often have limited opportunities to reflect on complex cases, share insights, and process the emotional impact of working in high-pressure environments. Evidence shows that structured reflective practice can reduce staff burnout and turnover, foster greater understanding and empathy towards children and families, and ensure consistent, high-quality care across teams.
At Psychologia Ltd, we offer individual and group clinical supervision to professionals working with children, young people, and families—including educators, child mental health teams, social workers, paediatric rehabilitation specialists, and legal professionals involved in child welfare. These sessions provide a dedicated space to explore clinical challenges, develop psychologically informed approaches, and enhance both professional well-being and client care.
We tailor supervision sessions to the unique needs of teams and individuals, ensuring a supportive environment where professionals can refine their practice, strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration, and maintain their own well-being while delivering effective, compassionate care
Main Clinic: 10 Harley Street, London, W1G9PF
Telephone: +44 (0) 7930243127
Email: Enquiries@Psychologia.co.uk