Understanding Acquired Brain Injury and Dementia

A brain injury that happens after birth, often caused by trauma, stroke, or illness.

A group of disorders that affect a person's ability to communicate, socialize, and behave. It's a spectrum, meaning the severity varies.

A disorder that affects attention, focus, and behavior. Individuals may have difficulty staying organized, controlling impulses, and focusing.

An umbrella term used for a group of brain disorders that cause a decline in cognitive function. This includes memory, thinking, language, and judgment.

The impact of an ABI on a person's life, often affecting their ability to work, socialise, and complete daily tasks.

Changes in a person's behaviour, attention, and interactions due to brain injury. It is NOT intentional.

Providing support and encouragement to help individuals with disabilities adapt to changes and develop confidence in their skills.

Strategies used to help individuals with cognitive challenges understand and learn new information.

A process where individuals improve their health and wellness, become more independent, and strive to reach their full potential.

The recovery model emphasizes a shift away from focusing on simply managing symptoms, towards empowering individuals to direct their own lives and reach their full potential.

Focuses on managing health conditions and symptoms.

Having a safe and stable place to live is fundamental for recovery.

Having meaningful relationships and social networks can provide support and hope during recovery.

Identifying and pursuing meaningful activities and goals are crucial for recovery.

The Recovery Model emphasizes evidence-based treatments, peer support, and least restrictive settings to promote recovery.

Mental health disorders are prevalent, affecting a significant portion of the population. Many individuals experience both mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders.

A disturbing event or series of events, like physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or sudden separation, that can negatively impact a person's well-being.

A care approach that considers the impact of trauma on a person's life and behavior. It aims to understand the whole person and their experiences.

The way a person feels, thinks, and behaves after experiencing a traumatic event. These changes can be long-lasting and affect many aspects of their life.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma, like anxiety, depression, or difficulty with relationships.

Learning about trauma and how it affects people, and then using this knowledge to guide policies and practices in different settings.

Understanding that every person has a unique story and experiences that shape their behavior. This approach focuses on understanding the individual's situation.

Gathering information about a person's experiences and challenges to better understand their current situation and needs.

Practices and interventions that are designed to address the impact of trauma on individuals.

Activities that stimulate the senses, like gardening, painting, listening to music, dancing, or engaging in physical activity.

Understanding and managing social situations. It includes skills like making friends, coping with frustrations, solving problems, understanding social etiquette, and following school rules.

Experiences that a person's system 'needs' to self-regulate and function throughout the day. It can involve sensory input like movement, sounds, or textures.

A range of mental health challenges including neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma-related disorders, and dissociative disorders.

Activities like playground skills groups, bullying prevention programs, social stories, and after-school activities that help individuals develop social skills.

Individuals with dementia might not remember you from one session to the next, so patience and kindness are crucial in interacting with them.

A long-term stress response occurring when the body is exposed to prolonged or excessive stress, such as chronic abuse or neglect.

The ability to bounce back from challenges and adversity, cope with stressors, and adapt to change.

Experiences in childhood that can negatively impact brain development, physical health, and overall wellbeing.

Experiences that can help buffer the negative impacts of ACEs and promote healthy development.

Factors that increase the likelihood of smoking, alcohol use, and drug use in individuals with ACEs.

The likelihood of experiencing certain health issues is increased due to prolonged exposure to stress, such as smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse, as well as neglect and violence. These factors lead to a higher risk of conditions like COPD and STIs.

These events can negatively affect brain development, leading to problems with attention, behavior, decision-making, and stress response.

The ability to overcome challenges and build a positive life despite a history of ACEs.