PURPOSE. The highest proportion of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occurs among adolescents. This study examines the effectiveness of a therapeutic protocol for rehabilitation of adolescents with TBI. This protocol is based on Toglia's (1998, 2005) Dynamic Interactional Model and Expanded Awareness Model (Toglia & Kirk, 2000).

METHOD. Explanatory case studies presenting 2 adolescents (ages 16–17) with mild to moderate TBI are combined with qualitative and quantitative data assessing self-care, mobility, and graphomotor abilities as well as deficit awareness in these domains. Outcome measures include the FIM™, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the Computerized Penmanship Object Evaluation Tool, and the Awareness of Mobility Deficits Questionnaire. Graphic data analysis compared outcome measures before, during, and after intervention.

RESULTS. The Dynamic Interactional Model was effective in improving self-care, mobility, and graphomotor abilities and identified awareness of deficits in these domains.

CONCLUSION. These research findings contribute to our theoretical knowledge in rehabilitation and promote adopting this approach for rehabilitation of adolescents with TBI.

Keywords:
self care, traumatic brain injuries, adolescent
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Copyright © 2009 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.
2009
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