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.
Indirect Interventions
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 if they are found to lack decision-making capacity.
Behavioural
Interventions
Recovering from a brain injury can be a challenging and uncertain time, often accompanied by behavioural changes that are difficult to manage and highly distressing for the client, their family, and the professionals working with them.
Through structured behavioural monitoring and analysis, it is possible to learn more about why behaviour might be challenging and to provide interventions, including support for clients, behavioural management guidelines, training for staff, and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans.
By integrating evidence-based strategies and behavioural support plans, we provide a person-centred approach and aim to create supportive environments that empower individuals in their recovery journey.
Supporting Independent Living Trials
Following a brain injury, clients may find themselves living and functioning back in their community but with increased support from professionals around them. This can lead to clients feeling disempowered and lacking control in making decisions about aspects of their life, as well as their recovery and rehabilitation.
Our team specialises in the Empowerment Behaviour Modification Approach (EBMA) to support individuals recovering from brain injury. This evidence-based framework focuses on equipping clients with the tools and strategies needed to understand their behavioural changes, develop self-regulation, and regain autonomy in their daily lives. We foster a collaborative environment that prioritises empowerment, stability, and meaningful recovery.
Vocational Rehabilitation
We provide expert neuropsychology-led vocational rehabilitation to support individuals recovering from brain injury in returning to meaningful activity, work, or education.
Our services include comprehensive neuropsychological and cognitive assessments, skills-to-job matching, CV development, interview coaching, cognitive interventions to manage the impact of difficulties on work tasks, and supportive interventions to assist clients with emotional adjustment in the workplace and to plan for key issues such as how to disclose a diagnosis.
We collaborate with employers to implement reasonable workplace adjustments, ensuring clients can access the required support for success.
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 where teams working with individuals can seek specialist neuropsychological input and guidance when complex clinical issues arise. It involves both sharing knowledge and providing space for multiple perspectives to be heard and considered.
Case consultation can be a cost-effective way of working with hard-to-engage clients who may often incur high costs through non-attendance.
At Psychologia Ltd, we pride ourselves on our ability to support teams in developing clear, overarching formulations of the range of factors contributing to difficulties or barriers to care and devising psychologically informed, solution-based approaches that can be delivered by a wide range of healthcare professionals and care staff.
Training and Teaching
Psychologia Ltd. has provided a range of training and teaching to professionals on a wide variety of topics, including case management teams, legal teams, Court of Protection teams, trainee clinical psychologists and other student groups, charities, rehabilitation assistants, support worker and carer teams or agencies, and allied health and medical professional teams.
We offer bespoke and tailored training or teaching in workplaces, clinic spaces, and at conferences and events.
Examples of training: Understanding the neuropsychological needs of clients, psychologically informed MDT rehabilitation, risk assessments, managing emotional changes and adjustment post-TBI, mental capacity, and supported decision-making. We welcome enquiries regarding additional topics that might be required by your organisation.
Clinical Supervision
Working with clients with cognitive, emotional, and behavioural difficulties can be rewarding and challenging in equal measure. Despite this, many clinical professions are not afforded formal time to reflect on clinical challenges, learning points, and the personal impact of working in highly emotive settings, despite evidence that it can contribute to reduced staff burnout and turnover, increased understanding and empathy towards clients, and consistent care across teams.
Psychologia Ltd is able to facilitate individual or group clinical supervision to support worker teams, wider MDT members, case managers, and solicitors who would benefit from a reflective space to consider the neuropsychological needs of clients and the well-being of staff.
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Main Clinic: 10 Harley Street, London, W1G9PF
Telephone: +44 (0) 7930243127
Email: Enquiries@Psychologia.co.uk