Therapy for Children with Developmental Delay whether caused by Cerebral Palsy, Genetic Disorder or Brain Injury

Families attending the Brainwave Centre are looking for hope. Hope that their child may one day achieve some form of independence. At Brainwave, we have the time and facilities to give every parent the very best opportunity to learn the skills which will release their child’s potential.

Since 1982 Brainwave has been helping hundreds of children from throughout the UK who experience Developmental Delay. Some have Cerebral Palsy, others specific chromosome abnormalities such as Downs Syndrome, others are brain injured through accident or birth trauma.

Our response to parents is always positive: let’s see what can be achieved. We base our optimism on the brain’s ability to compensate for lost function and / or to maximise remaining functions in the event of brain injury. This is called neuroplasticity.

Whilst our therapy team has the skills, it is the parents who have the dedication, love and commitment which no other carer can match. That is why the outcome from every child’s initial two day assessment is a home based therapy programme uniquely appropriate to that child, so parents can carry out the exercises with their child each day. With this amount of structured play and formal exercise, the results really can be exceptional. Children are reassessed every four to six months, and the individual programmes changed appropriately

Our aim is to design a specific and effective therapy programme for each child and family to carry out in their own home.

Full discussion takes place with the family to explain the ideas, theories and philosophies that underpin our approach, and guidance is provided on how to establish a successful programme.

For an initial assessment of your child, the family is invited to the Brainwave Centre where they are able to relax in our fully-equipped bungalows. During the two-day visit, the family will receive the sole attention of a team of therapists who will assess the child’s abilities and design a specific programme of exercises according to each child’s needs.

This programme is thoroughly explained and taught to parents until they feel fully confident to carry out the programme at home. The sequence of physical and cognitive exercises are carried out over a 30-minute period on a regular basis. No family is asked to spend more than 10 hours carrying out therapy in any one week.

On leaving the Centre, any necessary equipment is despatched to the family home, free of charge on our loan facility, to ensure the programme can be started without delay. A video and a manual with explanatory diagrams are prepared for the family to take away and an assigned therapist is always available by telephone.

The Centre continues on-going support with home visits, telephone and email contact and reassessments at four to six-monthly intervals when programmes are adjusted to allow for further progress.

Huntworth Gate

Bridgwater, Somerset

TA6 6LQ

Tel. 01278 429089

Fax. 01278 429622

enquiries@brainwave.org.uk

http://www.brainwave.org.uk/index.html

Registered Charity No. 1073238