1. www.casemanagement.co.uk Children and Young People forming Relationships after ABI: Relationship Status : “Up for Anything” Rita Greaves Clinical Support Manager JSP Ltd

2. Introduction Stage of development Types of Relationships Case Studies How we can assist

3. Issues relating to the young person Development stage Adjustment to change Expectations Pressures

4. Relationships Parents Siblings Extended family Friends in School and at Home Acquaintances Intimate relationships

5. How are the family coping: Parents Anxiety Guilt Fear Tiredness Loss of social contact Job loss Career on hold Part time work Financial difficulties Depression or other Mental Health problems Change in parenting skills

6. How are the family coping: Siblings May feel neglected Jealous of attention the young person is getting Angry with the individual young person Increased fighting Competition Seeking approval, wanting praise May feel Loss - Lost their parents

7. Case Study A Young girl aged 14years old TBI at age 7 years old in Road Traffic Accident Attended mainstream secondary school Very immature Minimal physical difficulties Very significant cognitive difficulties She was having difficulty maintaining any friendship with any of her peers She wants a boyfriend

8. Help and support provided Discussion about friendships Education about relationships Fun questionnaires Hypothetical situations Internet safety Peer relationships Brain injury education to school staff Appropriate and suitable relationships Sex education Brain injury education to the boyfriend Ongoing support to maintain her relationships

9. Case Study Two Young man 17yrs old TBI at age 3 yrs old He attends a 16 plus unit and attends college one day per week He does have some physical difficulties Significant cognitive difficulties Some difficulties controlling his anger Has a twin sibling who is in a relationship He wants a girlfriend

10. Help and support provided Anger management Relationship with his Twin Education about types of relationships Social situations to meet peer group Sex education sessions Speech Therapy Education with Support staff Physiotherapy Emotional / sexual developmental stage Re assured ok to say “No”

12. How can we help ? Education and Explanation Do not assume Let the individual be involved in decision making Good management Firm boundaries Consistency Ongoing support to maintain relationships

13. We need to be there for the individual and the FAMILY when they need us.

14. Prevention Ideally we should be preventing any crisis. If a crisis does occur then management of this is important.