Acquired Brain Injury
in Children

Why does Acquired Brain Injury Occur in Children?

 

Acquired brain injury (ABI) in children and young people can result from a variety of causes that occur after birth or, in some cases, around the time of birth. Understanding these causes helps families, educators and healthcare professionals recognise when specialist neuropsychological support may be beneficial. Every year, around 40,000 UK children sustain an ABI as a result of traumatic or non-traumatic injury to the brain.

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Traumatic Causes

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when an external force impacts the head, resulting in damage to brain tissue. Common traumatic causes in children and young people include falls from playground equipment or bicycles, road traffic accidents, sports-related injuries and, in some cases, non-accidental head trauma.

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Each year, over 1 million people in England and Wales attend emergency departments following a head injury; between 33% and 50% of these are under 15 years old. These injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe brain damage, each requiring tailored assessment and intervention approaches.

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Non-traumatic Causes

Non-traumatic brain injuries develop from internal factors that affect brain function (i.e. how the brain works) and structure (i.e. how the brain develops). These include infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, which cause inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues, strokes that interrupt blood flow to brain regions, and periods of oxygen deprivation that can occur during birth complications (perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic infarct) or later incidents such as near-drowning. Brain tumours, whether benign or malignant, can also impact cognitive and emotional functioning, as can exposure to toxins or poisoning that affects brain development and function.

How are Children and Adults Affected Differently by Acquired Brain Injury?

 

Children and young people experience ABI differently from adults as their brains are still developing and their unique developmental needs. Recognising and understanding these differences helps ensure appropriate support is put in place.

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Developmental Considerations

The developing brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and form new connections following injury. However, when injuries occur during development, the effects may only become apparent as children reach new developmental milestones or when additional demands are placed on weaker abilities. Early assessment and ongoing support can help identify and provide support to address these changes as they emerge.

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Educational and Learning

Children and young people with ABI are often developing academic skills, social abilities and independence for the first time, while also managing the effects of their injury. This differs from adults who may be re-learning skills they had already mastered. With appropriate tailored interventions and educational support, children can continue to learn and develop to achieve their potential.

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Social and Emotional Development

Brain injury may affect how children and young people form friendships, regulate emotions and develop social skills. These areas are crucial for building confidence and emotional well-being. Through targeted support and close collaboration with families, children and young people can develop effective strategies for managing emotions and building positive relationships.

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Family-centred Support

Children and young people with ABI thrive best when the whole family is supported. Working with parents, siblings and extended family members helps create consistent, nurturing environments where children feel understood, valued and empowered to overcome challenges and build on their strengths.

What are the Effects of Acquired Brain Injury in Children?

 

The effects of ABI vary significantly depending on the type and severity of injury, the child’s age, their developmental profile before the injury, and wider individual and family circumstances. Recognising and understanding these factors helps families and professionals work together to provide appropriate support.

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• Cognitive changes – ABI may affect memory, attention, executive functioning skills (such as planning, organisation and flexible thinking), making it harder for children to concentrate, manage tasks follow instructions and learn new information. In supportive environments, with tailored educational support and interventions, children can continue to develop and make progress to achieve their potential.

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• Communication difficulties – Some children with ABI may experience changes in speech clarity, language understanding or the ability to express their thoughts and feelings. These challenges can be addressed through support, helping children strengthen their communication skills and maintain meaningful connections with family, friends and school life.

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• Emotional and behavioural responses – ABI can affect mood, emotional regulation and behaviour, which may contributed to difficulties in social situations and challenges maintaining friendships. Targeted therapeutic support and family collaboration can help children develop effective coping strategies and build positive, lasting relationships.

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• Physical effects – Children with ABI may experience changes in mobility, balance and coordination, as well as headaches and fatigue that can impact concentration and school participation. With appropriate rehabilitation and support, many children learn strategies to manage these challenges and continue to enjoy active lives.

Treatment and Support for Acquired Brain Injury in Children

 

Children and young people with ABI benefit from comprehensive, coordinated care that addresses their unique needs across medical, rehabilitation and educational settings. Regular monitoring ensures interventions remain appropriate as children develop.

 

1. Emergency care and medical management – Initial treatment focuses on stabilising the child’s condition and preventing further complications. Medical teams monitor recovery and establish the foundation for ongoing rehabilitation and support.

2. ​Rehabilitation support – A multidisciplinary approach helps children regain skills and develop new strategies. Physiotherapy supports movement and physical function, occupational therapy focuses on daily living skills, speech and language therapy addresses communication needs and psychological support helps children and families manage emotional, behavioural and social changes.

3. ​Educational support and SEN provision – Schools play a crucial role through tailored educational approaches and special educational needs (SEN) assessments and support. Collaborative planning between families, education staff and other specialists helps ensure that appropriate accommodations are in place, such as modified teaching methods, additional support or classroom adaptations.

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Working Together for Better Outcomes

Effective support for children with acquired brain injury requires close collaboration between healthcare professionals, educational specialists, families, schools and communities. A multidisciplinary approach ensures that interventions are coordinated and tailored to each child’s needs. When everyone works together, children and young people receive consistent support that promotes better outcomes across all areas of life.

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Supporting the Whole Family

Acquired brain injury affects the whole family. Parents may feel stressed or uncertain while navigating complex healthcare and educational systems. Siblings can sometimes feel confused or overlooked, and extended family members may struggle to know how best to help.

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Family-centred approaches recognise this, providing information, emotional support and practical strategies to help all family members. When families feel supported and equipped with the right tools, they can create nurturing environments where children and young people with ABI feel secure, understood and motivated to reach their full potential.