Brain Gain: Technology-Infused Cognitive Rehabilitation for Kids … · 2017. 6. 5. · Cognitive Group Therapy at Holland Bloorview •Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team (BIRT) •Cognitive

Brain Gain: Technology-Infused Cognitive Rehabilitation for Kids with Brain Injuries

Lisa Kakonge, M.Sc., Reg. CASLPO, SLP, CCC-SLP

Sara Stevens, Ph.D., C.Psych. Elaine Widgett, OT Reg (Ont), MRSc, CHE

Luke O’Connor, M.Eng., M.Sc.

GTA Rehab Network Best Practices Day, June 2, 2017

Cognitive Group Therapy at Holland Bloorview

• Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team (BIRT)

• Cognitive Group Therapy

–Senior Group (1980): adolescents 13 to 18 years old

– Junior Group (1990): children ages 7 to 12 years old

– Inter-disciplinary clinician facilitators

Cognitive Group Therapy at Holland Bloorview

• Standardized manual, education curriculum

Cognitive Group Therapy at Holland Bloorview

Brain Attention Memory

Executive Function Social Skills

• Standardized manual, education curriculum

• Activity based

• Cognitive strategies, skill building

• Individual therapy goals

Cognitive Group Therapy at Holland Bloorview

• Clients learned (and remembered!) cognitive education

• Greater understanding of the brain, brain injury, rehabilitation goals

• Enjoyed attending group, would recommend group to other clients

• Favourites: activities, Jello brain

• Recommendations: more activities

Evaluate client learning and feedback

App Inventory

Examples:

• Target Practice

• Attention Game

• More under development!

APP Inventory

3D Brain

Brain Puzzle

Memory Game

Colour Tap

Watch the Ball App

Memory Game App

Brain Puzzle App

Next Steps

• Evaluation of Brain Gain

–Curriculum and use of technology

–Therapy goal attainment

– Functional performance

–Satisfaction and feedback

• Additional technology and app development

• Standardize and share knowledge

Thank you

A Collaboration Between BIRT and PEARL

BIRT Research and Clinical Teams