Children with Brain Injuries

Each individual with a brain injury has a different set of needs and psychological responses, but it's especially important for caregivers of brain-injured children to learn how the injury looks in the mind of a child. The more caregivers of children know about brain injury, the more help they are to their child.

• Work with the medical team to understand your child's injury and treatment plan. Don't be shy about asking questions. Tell them what you know or think, and make suggestions about treatment.
• Keep track of your child's treatment and maintain all the information in a ring binder or a box. As your child recovers, you may meet with many doctors, nurses, and others. Write down what they say and put the paperwork in the notebook or box. If you need to share any of this paperwork with someone else, make a copy and keep your original.
• Talk to other parents whose children have ABI. Call NICHCY (1-800-695-0285) to find out how to locate parent groups near you.

Sending Your Child Back to School

If your child was in school before the injury, plan for his or her return.

• Speak with school officials about special education services, and share medical information with the school when requested.
• Schedule testing as soon as possible to identify your child's education needs.
• Meet with the school and help develop a plan for your child, called an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Re-evaluate the IEP each year, to revise goals as your child develops and progresses.
• Maintain communication throughout the school year with your child's teacher to monitor his/her performance.

Focusing on Your Child's Questions and Concerns

The following is a list of pointers specific to parents and adult caregivers:

• Encourage children to ask questions. Listen to what they say. Provide comfort and assurance that addresses their specific fears. It's okay to admit you can't answer all their questions!
• Talk on their level. Communicate with your children in a way they can understand. Don't get too technical or complicated.
• Be honest. Tell them exactly what has happened. For example, don't say that someone who has died has "gone to sleep"; children may become afraid of going to bed.
• Find out what else frightens them. Encourage your children to talk about other fears they may have. They may worry that someone will harm them at school or that someone will try to hurt you.
• Focus on the positive. Reinforce the fact that most people are kind and caring. Remind your child of the heroic actions taken by ordinary people to help victims of tragedy.
• Pay attention. Your children's play and drawings may give you a glimpse into their questions or concerns. Ask them to tell you what is going on in the game or the picture. It's an opportunity to clarify misconceptions, answer questions, and give reassurance.
• Develop a plan. Establish a family emergency plan for the future, such as a meeting place where everyone should gather if something unexpected happens in your family or neighborhood. It can help you and your child feel safer. If you're concerned about your child's reaction to stress or trauma, call your physician or a community mental health center.

For more information on children's mental health, call the Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one of the Public Health Service agencies in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-789-2647.