Communication strategies for parents and children

As children with brain injuries mature, communication deficits tend to be less obvious than physical or motor deficits, however, they have the potential to become increasingly detrimental to a child's social and academic development. A child with an acquired brain injury (ABI) needs a support system that will not diminish over time and caregivers become essential to successful, long-term rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of caregiver focused intervention on communication interactions between caregivers and their school-aged sons with ABI. The intervention included four 90 minute sessions where positive communication strategies (e.g., adding, organizing and imitation information) designed to enhance communication were discussed. Caregivers were educated regarding negative communication behaviors (e.g. close-ended directives) as well. Both caregivers increased positive communication behaviors and decreased negative communication behaviors during post-treatment conversations with their children.