So many factors have to be considered when working with a child and their family; motivation and interests of the child, pressures of every family life, space to deliver therapy, time to deliver therapy, cultural influences, language barriers, expectations of the whole family.
Abdi was involved in a road traffic accident. He has been fortunate to have therapy intervention right from the start and as a result is making a marvellous recovery. He continues to face many challenges and is currently reliant on someone pushing him in his wheelchair and has reduced movement of his left arm. He has recently moved into High School.
Abdi lives in a busy household; his parents speak a limited amount of English. He has to sleep in the living room with his mum. Modifications have been made to provide him with downstairs bathroom facilities.
Communication is vital to ensure everyone is working in Abdi’s best interest. Keeping in regular contact with other therapists involved in his treatment is really important as making sure those who are with the child on a daily basis ensures that “therapy” can be delivered throughout the Abdi’s daily routine and the types of games and activities that can work to improve the Abdi’s skills.
Resources to support those involved in Abdi’s care to identify how to adapt everyday games and activities for children with a brain injury to work towards therapeutic goals:
Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a website with ideas and downloadable resources for children who need to work on using 2 hands together. The resources are targeted at families but are a useful resource for therapists too.
https://research.ncl.ac.uk/hemiplegiaresearch-fungames/
CP Toys is a downloadable app that matches therapy goals with the developmental stage of the child with suitable toys and activities.