Brain Injury: What Happens Next

When Kiernan Roberts was knocked off his bike at 16 years of age, his life and his family's life were dramatically changed. After spending nine months in hospital, Kiernan continued to work with his rehab team in order to maximise his rehabilitation potential. Being a brain injury survivor, Kiernan wanted to produce this book about helping children to understand when a loved one has an acquired brain injury. This is because it was very difficult at the time for others to explain to his younger nephews and cousins about what had happened to him and why he looked and behaved the way he did. The book uses child-like images as well as simple explanations to let adults read it with a child who has been affected by having someone in their family acquire a brain injury. Key medical terms are highlighted in larger font and with a different colour. As well as using personal experience from himself and his family, Kiernan has worked with various health professionals. This included support workers, case managers, neuropsychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists as well as service users from a local brain injury charity 'P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery' in Hull to produce the book. Look out for the 'Top Tip' boxes that give practical ways that families and young children can manage and process hospital visits to neuro rehab wards - as well the changing dynamics of having contact with someone who has a brain injury.