Preliminary efficacy of an attention and memory intervention post-childhood brain injury.

OBJECTIVE

Impairments in attention and memory are common consequences following paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). Despite this, there is a scarcity of evidence-based interventions for these difficulties. The current study aimed to pilot the feasibility and efficacy of the English version of the Amsterdam Memory and Attention Test for Children (Amat-c) and to identify ecologically valid measures sensitive to post-evaluation improvements. It was expected that children with attention and memory difficulties post-TBI would show improved performance post-intervention on traditional cognitive measures and on measures of everyday performance.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Three children (case study design) with an acquired brain injury (near drowning, birth delivery complications, fall from a horse) and currently between the ages of 8-13 were identified through audits of presentations to a metropolitan paediatric hospital. Each child underwent screening, pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments (immediate and 6 months).

OUTCOMES/RESULTS: Results indicated improved performance in the areas of attention and memory from pre- to post-intervention, with gains maintained at 6 months post-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Findings demonstrate initial support for efficacy of the Amat-c and its use with survivors of child ABI to alleviate common cognitive and functional consequences. A larger study is needed to further confirm these findings.