Warning over ‘hidden disability’

Parents and teachers are being encouraged to look out for the signs of ‘hidden disability’ resulting from a brain injury.

The Children’s Trust says that every year about 5,000 children sustain injury that could result in an acquired brain injury (ABI).

This condition is often described as a “hidden disability” as children with an ABI may look and behave normally until they are put under pressure or face a situation that they are unaccustomed to, such as starting a new school.

ABIs can be caused by an injury to the head sustained from events like a fall or car accident. Other causes of more lasting damage include near-drowning, stroke, choking or meningitis.

The Children’s Trust is calling for adults to be extra vigilant for signs of ABI, which include a shortened attention span, memory problems, extreme fatigue and balance/coordination problems.

Fiona Adcock, spokesperson for the charity, said: “Getting used to the transition to secondary school can be difficult for any young person, but for those with an ABI it’s around this time of year that any difficulties they have in thinking, making friends and managing their behaviour in class can start to have a major negative impact on their lives.”