Every child deserves the chance to shine. But for those living with an acquired brain injury (ABI), learning can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. That’s why, this Learning Disability Week, we’d like to share steps and tips on how we can help every child feel supported and included.
Learning Disability Week 2025 takes place from 16th to 22nd June and aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of learning disabilities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
The Hidden Struggles of Learning After ABI
Children often face challenges that aren’t always obvious to others after an acquired brain injury. These hidden struggles can affect learning, friendships, and even self-esteem. Here are just a few of the difficulties those young people might encounter:
Processing information
They might need extra time to think things through or understand instructions.
Memory problems
Forgetting what they’ve just learned or needing to go over things again.
Attention and concentration
Finding it hard to focus or being easily distracted.
Changes in behaviour
Feeling frustrated, anxious, or withdrawing from others.
Communication challenges
Struggling to find the right words or to follow what’s being said.
For families, it can feel like they’re climbing a mountain without a map!
How You Can Support Children with Learning Disabilities
Here are some practical ideas to help children and young people living with a learning disability after ABI:
Parents & Carers:
• Break tasks down into small, manageable steps. Celebrate every success, no matter how big or small.
• Use visual aids, schedules, and gentle reminders to build confidence and independence.
• Be your child’s advocate at school: keep teachers in the loop about their needs.
Siblings:
• Learn about your sibling’s challenges and find ways to help. Maybe you’d like to start reading together or playing a learning game.
• Be patient and help friends and classmates understand, too.
Professionals:
• Adapt your teaching materials: use clear language, repetition, and visuals.
Offer breaks and quiet spaces to help avoid overwhelm.
• Work closely with families and CBIT’s ABI Coordinators to understand what each child needs.
• Sign up to CBIT’s next free ‘Understanding Acquired Brain Injury in Children’ workshop for professionals
How Our ABI Coordinators Can Help
Our ABI Coordinators are here for every family, every step of the way.
They work alongside schools, health services, and parents to create individual support plans, making sure every child gets the help they need to learn, grow, and thrive.