@article{ref1, title="Evaluation of an attention and memory intervention post-childhood acquired brain injury: preliminary efficacy, immediate and 6 months post-intervention", journal="Brain injury", year="2015", author="Catroppa, Cathy and Stone, Kate and Hearps, Stephen J. C. and Soo, Cheryl and Anderson, Vicki and Rosema, Stefanie", volume="29", number="11", pages="1317-1324", abstract="OBJECTIVE: Impairments in attention and memory are common sequelae following paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). While it has been established that such impairments are long-term and, therefore, affect quality-of-life, there is a scarcity of evidence-based interventions to treat these difficulties. The current study aimed to pilot the efficacy of the Amsterdam Memory and Attention Training for Children (Amat-c: English version) using both neuropsychological and ecologically sensitive measures. It was expected that children with attention and memory difficulties post-ABI would show improved performance post-intervention on cognitive and ecological measures, with maintenance at 6 months post-intervention.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Ten children with an ABI, between the ages of 8-13 years at the time of recruitment were identified through audits of presentations to a metropolitan paediatric hospital. Each child underwent screening, the 18 week intervention programme, pre-intervention, immediate and 6 month post-intervention assessments. Outcomes/results: Findings supported the hypothesis that children would show post-intervention (immediate and 6 month) improvement in areas of attention and memory, with generalization to everyday life.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Preliminary results provide support for the efficacy of the Amat-c post-childhood ABI. A larger study is needed to confirm these findings, as a reduction in attention and memory difficulties will enhance everyday functioning.

Language: en

", language="en", issn="0269-9052", doi="10.3109/02699052.2015.1043345", url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/02699052.2015.1043345" }