Preliminary efficacy of an attention and memory intervention post-childhood brain injury

Impairments in attention and memory are common consequences following paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). Despite this, there is a scarcity of evidence-based interventions for these difficulties. The current study aimed to pilot the feasibility and efficacy of the English version of the Amsterdam Memory and Attention Test for Children (Amat-c) and to identify ecologically valid measures sensitive to post-evaluation improvements. It was expected that children with attention and memory difficulties post-TBI would show improved performance post-intervention on traditional cognitive measures and on measures of everyday performance.

Three children (case study design) with an acquired brain injury (near drowning, birth delivery complications, fall from a horse) and currently between the ages of 8-13 were identified through audits of presentations to a metropolitan paediatric hospital. Each child underwent screening, pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments (immediate and 6 months).

Results indicated improved performance in the areas of attention and memory from pre- to post-intervention, with gains maintained at 6 months post-intervention.

Findings demonstrate initial support for efficacy of the Amat-c and its use with survivors of child ABI to alleviate common cognitive and functional consequences. A larger study is needed to further confirm these findings.