A mixed methods study of factors that support Educational Psychologist’s confidence when working with children and young people with acquired brain injury.

Some estimates suggest that over 40,000 children acquire a brain injury each year (The Children’s Trust, 2024e). According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) (2022) acquired brain injury (ABI) caused by external force (known as traumatic brain injury [TBI]) is the leading cause of death and disability in children and young people (CYP) worldwide. Whilst the majority of injuries will be classified as mild, the effects can be longstanding and often do not present until months or years post injury. This study utilised a mixed methods design to examine the work that Educational Psychologists (EPs) are doing with children and young people with ABI and identify the factors that support their confidence when undertaking this work. Forty-three EPs from a range of employment contexts completed an online questionnaire. Higher confidence was reported for consultation and assessment which was also the most frequent type of work delivered. Participants were least confident about delivering training in relation to ABI. Seven participants took part in a follow up interview which revealed a range of factors which supported confidence. These include: access to additional learning through continued professional development (CPD) or additional qualifications, working collaboratively with other professionals, school staff and families, having an interest or additional experience, the employment context and a belief in the effectiveness of generalisable skills such as consultation. This research adds to the very limited existing research base for EPs in the area of ABI. In synthesising knowledge on prevalence, causes and possible associated difficulties, and by drawing attention to current national developments it is hoped that this paper will go some way in supporting the professions understanding of ABI. EPs should take confidence from the fact that participants in this research described similarities between their work with CYP with ABI and their work more broadly.