Every 15 minutes, a child in the UK acquires a brain injury. And yet, the journey of living with a childhood-acquired brain injury often remains misunderstood and invisible.
As we mark Action for Brain Injury Week, we’re highlighting the unpredictable reality of acquired brain injury, raising awareness of hidden disabilities, and sharing hope—because good days are possible, and every small step forward deserves recognition.
Two Sides of Brain Injury: Navigating Good Days and Bad Days
Living with a childhood-acquired brain injury is not a linear journey. One day may be filled with joy, laughter, and small achievements. The next could bring confusion, fatigue, or emotional overwhelm. On difficult days, families may need to cancel plans, adjust expectations, and navigate heightened emotions. But on good days, even the smallest milestone, like completing homework, visiting a favourite park, or having a calm school day, feels monumental.
“The unpredictability of our days means we savour every moment of peace. Every smile feels like progress,” shares one parent supported by the Child Brain Injury Trust. This duality is what makes understanding brain injury in children so vital.
Understanding Hidden Disabilities in Childhood Brain Injury
A childhood-acquired brain injury may not be visible, but its impact is profound. Children with ABI may struggle with:
- Short-term memory
- Processing delays
- Fatigue
- Emotional regulation
- Sensory sensitivities
These effects can go unnoticed by the wider public, leading to frustration, misinterpretation, and exclusion. That’s why Action for Brain Injury Week is a critical time to educate and advocate. Greater awareness helps ensure children with invisible injuries receive patience, kindness, and support from their communities.
Support Systems Behind Every Good Day
Good days aren’t accidental—they’re often the result of tireless, coordinated support.
- ABI Coordinators offer personalised guidance, emotional support, and practical advice to families navigating the aftermath of a brain injury.
- Schools and SENCOs adapt learning environments and create inclusive classrooms that meet each child’s needs.
- Charities like the Child Brain Injury Trust and Headway provide resources, peer support, and outreach that help families build a new normal.
These systems work together to reduce isolation, promote independence, and empower families to thrive after injury.
Making the World More Accessible: Practical Tips
Good days become more possible when families can access inclusive environments. Here are a few key tools and services that support outings and everyday life for children with acquired brain injury:
- CBIT’s Brain Injury Information Card: Discreetly signals that a young person (aged 11-18) has an acquired brain injury and may need additional support.
- Access Card: Indicates individual access needs (e.g., no queues, visual impairment, etc.) and is accepted by many venues.
- Quiet Sessions: Offered at museums, cinemas, and shops—perfect for sensory-sensitive children.
- Free Carer Entry & Discounts: Available at most major attractions—always check accessibility pages or contact customer service in advance.
These adaptations can turn an overwhelming day into a joyful one.
Celebrating the Small Wins: What a Good Day Looks Like
A good day might look like:
- Completing morning routines without distress
- Attending a birthday party and enjoying it
- Communicating feelings clearly for the first time in weeks
These may seem small to others, but to families affected by childhood brain injury, they are worth celebrating. Because every good day brings confidence, connection, and joy—and that’s what we all want for our children.
What You Can Do: Make a Difference This Action for Brain Injury Week
Creating more good days for children with childhood-acquired brain injury starts with awareness—and that’s where you come in.
Here’s how you can support families during Action for Brain Injury Week and beyond:
- Talk about it – Start conversations about acquired brain injury. Whether it’s at school, in the workplace, or among friends, your voice helps to break down stigma and build understanding.
- Share content – Use your social media platforms to repost stories, facts, and resources about childhood-acquired brain injury. Awareness spreads when information is shared—every post matters.
- Listen and learn – Take time to read real stories from families affected by brain injury. Understanding their experiences fosters empathy and informs better support.
- Champion inclusion – Advocate for accessibility in schools, businesses, and public spaces. Small adjustments like quiet spaces, flexible routines, and queue-jumping passes can make the world more welcoming.
- Support a charity – Organisations like the Child Brain Injury Trust rely on donations and fundraising to continue their life-changing work. Your time or contribution can help another family find hope.
Every action—no matter how small—helps build a more compassionate, inclusive world for children with acquired brain injuries.
So this Action for Brain Injury Week, be a voice. Be an ally. Be the reason a family experiences a good day.