Children Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in children, as treated at Revive Harmony Children’s Hospital, involves an acquired injury to the brain that can result from a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head (CDC, 2015). This injury often leads to disruptions in cognitive, physical, emotional, or social functioning, with wide-ranging effects depending on severity (CDC, 2015). Within recreational therapy (RT) and therapeutic recreation (TR) practices, common problem areas for children with TBI include cognitive deficits, such as memory and attention difficulties, and emotional challenges, such as increased irritability or anxiety. However, children recovering from TBI may also possess the potential strength of enhanced resilience, as they often develop coping strategies in response to their experiences. Functionally, children with TBI may vary widely in their needs and capabilities; some may return to near-normal functioning with mild limitations, while others might require ongoing support for impairments in daily activities. Setting-specific interventions at Revive Harmony are essential, focusing on individualized plans to foster recovery and maximize personal strengths despite these challenges.
Reference:
Pediatric traumatic brain injury. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/pediatric-traumatic-brain-injury/