Article

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common during childhood. However,
most of the extant literature about outcomes following childhood TBI is based on
children who were functioning "normally" prior to the injury event. But, with the
increasing community integration of children with Intellectual Disability (ID)
there is an urgent need for specific information regarding problems following TBI for this group. METHOD: Using a case study, this paper presents an overview of
problems faced by these children who subsequently experience a TBI event, and
examines questions pertinent to this dual diagnosis. OUTCOMES:
In the case study
presented, despite supposedly having access to an internationally acclaimed
comprehensive no fault accident compensation and rehabilitation system, a lack of assessment, intervention and support was evident for both the child and the
family following a severe TBI because he had pre-existing ID. CONCLUSIONS:
This case study highlights the need for clinicians to consider the impact of TBI for
children with ID, to avoid incorrectly attributing TBI symptoms to pre-existing
problems. Children with ID are at increased risk; appropriate treatment plans are
vital to maximize quality of life for them and their caregivers.

Langue : ANGLAIS