Memory and New Learning

Disclaimer: This information sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

Difficulties with memory and new learning following acquired brain injury are common. There may be difficulties with acquiring new information, storing information learned, and/or recalling previously learned information. Each child injured will have a unique pattern of memory difficulties which will affect their schooling and everyday life in a unique way. For example it may be easier to learn information presented visually rather than heard, and for others vice cersa. Difficulties with concentration and speed of information processing can also influence how well information is learned and recalled.

Examples of memory difficulties

• difficulty following instructions and needing repetition
• forgetting requirements such as homework and equipment for lessons
• taking a long time to learn new work
• forgetting information that was given a few minutes ago
• difficulty recalling information when completing handouts or tests

Strategies to assist a child with memory difficulties

• limit the amount of information presented at a time
• encourage the child to ask for information to be repeated if missed
• encourage and teach regular use of diary and prompt (especially adolescents) to write down messages and when things are due as reminders
• provide repetition of new material and teach information in a number of different ways
• offer frequent revision and rehearsal of information and summarise important points
• especially for adolescents, teach efficient note taking and summarising skills
• check how much the child has learned, asking them to repeat the information, before moving on to another task
• relate new information to previously learned concepts if possible
• if the difficulties relate to verbal memory, try to assist learning with visual cues
• if there are visual memory problems, rely on writing down information
• give prompts before providing the answer when the child has difficulty recalling information
• have the necessary information available for the child to refer to, rather than have them rely solely on their memory, and also use multiple choice questions to aid recall

Outcome

Difficulties with memory and new learning following acquired brain injury generally improve gradually over time. These problems, however, may continue in some children. Difficulties with memory, as well as other cognitive difficulties are formally identified by a neuropsychological assessment. A neuropsychologist can help devise compensatory and management strategies that are suitable for each individual child and their cognitive profile. Another health professional who may become involved is the cognitive therapist.

Rehabilitation Department The Children's Hospital at Westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145 Tel: (02) 9845 2132 - Fax: (02) 9845 0685 http://www.chw.edu.au/rehabilitation/