Laughter is the best medicine It is good to remember that laughter is the best medicine, as is a sense of humour. As a parent carer, it can get tough. There’s medication to worry about. Numerous medical and therapy appointments to attend. Countless application forms to fill out for DLA, EHCP, Blue Badge etc. Financial…
Verbal Communication There are many steps taken in learning verbal communication. Even without complex needs, this is a challenging process. Don’t give up though! We will look at some tips and strategies here and in other blog posts. Steps to verbal communication The communication steps are set out below: Communication professionals Professionally, for a child…
What are objects of reference? Objects of reference allow a child to develop their understanding by relating an object to an activity. An example would be seeing a small rubber duck before bath time. This supports communication, builds understanding and promotes choice. The objects can relate to needs, wants, people or places. This helps your…
Being active at home Being active at home is important. This can seem intimidating if your child has a brain injury. For our child LB, we wanted to ensure he wasn’t just laying down all day. We were keen to get some movement in his routine. We’re not medical professionals, so we sought advice from…
Feeding via a tube – why would my child be fed through a pump? Feeding via a tube is often a consequence of a brain injury. Swallowing is a very complex process, and poses several risks. In cases like this, your child will need feeding via a tube. This is so they can receive enough…
Sing a Song Just sing a song! When things get busy, it can become overwhelming. One thing that helps me get through with LB is singing songs to him. It can be very easy to forget to play and have fun with your child as a parent! We are often told about making sure we…
What is a Blue Badge? You should be aware that if your child is considered disabled, they may be entitled to a Blue Badge. Blue Badges help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination. You can apply f for yourself if you qualify, or on behalf of your child. Children who…
The power of sound One of the things that made a big difference for our child LB was sound. This included reading, singing or listening to music. During the darkest days that we experienced in hospital, one thing remained constant – LB could continue to hear us. Even when LB was less responsive due to…
What is oral simulation? When your child has been assessed as having an unsafe swallow, it is very important to ensure that you protect their oral health. This involves much more than simply brushing teeth. Our child LB had a plan put together for oral stimulation that I’m sharing here as it may help others. …
What is a Brain Injury? A brain injury is a medical condition that affects the ability of the brain to function properly. There are broadly two main classifications for brain injuries: Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). There are multiple causes and symptoms for both, and generally speaking no two cases look…