Evaluation of an attention and memory intervention post-childhood acquired brain injury: Preliminary efficacy, immediate and 6 months post-intervention

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.

• Attention
• intervention
• memory
• paediatric

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Royal Automotive Club of Victoria (RACV), University of Melbourne, the Victorian Government Operational Infrastructure Scheme and Rian Dob for her role in the English translation of the programme.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.