title: 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
  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.
  
  
  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
  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.
authors.affiliation: a Murdoch Children's Research Institute .|b Royal Children's Hospital , and.|c University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Catroppa
authors.affiliation: a Murdoch Children's Research Institute .
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.affiliation: a Murdoch Children's Research Institute .
authors.forename: Stephen J C
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hearps
authors.affiliation: a Murdoch Children's Research Institute .|c University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Soo
authors.affiliation: a Murdoch Children's Research Institute .|b Royal Children's Hospital , and.|c University of Melbourne , Parkville , Victoria , Australia.
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.affiliation: a Murdoch Children's Research Institute .
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rosema
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001288:Attention; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D061345:Early Medical Intervention; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Attention; intervention; memory; paediatric