Strategies to promote activity and participation in children and youths with acquired brain injuries

Strategies used by hospital and community-based rehabilitation and educational professionals and parents for promoting activity performance and participation of children and youths with acquired brain injuries (ABI) in the hospital, at home, at school and in the community are described in this article. Semi-structured interviews with interdisciplinary staff from a pediatric rehabilitation hospital in the Northeast USA and focus groups comprised of hospital and community-based educational and rehabilitation professionals and parents were conducted. Interviews and focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and qualitatively analyzed. The strategies described fell into three categories: Routine, Repetition, and Consistency; Supports and Models; and Curriculum and Environmental Modifications. In addition, three broader factors emerged related to the use of strategies: Communication; Age, Development and Recovery Time; and Attitudes and Expectations. Findings may provide insights to professionals and families to promote activity performance and participation in children and youth with acquired brain injuries across the continuum of care.