Funding outcome

The teenage years are a critical time in a young person's life. Youth may feel pressure to do well at school and fit in with friends. A concussion can suddenly change a teen's ability to meet these demands. Concussions are often considered 'mild' head injuries. Many children and teens recover soon after a concussion. Some youth have longer- lasting symptoms. Memory and reading concerns may make it difficult to text with friends. Trouble finding the right word and slowed thinking can make it hard to keep up with a conversation. Stuttering can make giving a class presentation a struggle. We rely on our communication skills to learn and connect with others. Youth recovering from a concussion are at risk for mental health concerns. Concussion clinics and services rarely assess or treat communication difficulties. Speech therapy to support teen's communication skills could help to off-set these risks and improve their concussion recovery. The current project will be the first study of this type. We will look at the impact of these communication difficulties by working with teens directly. We will also meet with family members. The participants will gather pictures and videos. This data will allow us to build an in-depth understanding of the changes they faced after their injuries. Focusing on the role of communication in family relationships will help health professionals better understand how youth adjust to life after a concussion. We will ask teens what type of help they want for their communication skills. We will also inquire about the services they may have received. This research will directly benefit teens recovering from a concussion and their families by providing evidence for new education programs and assessment approaches. The findings will be used to design treatment programs to improve the communication health of children and teens.