PlayfulBrain

‘If your childs’ brain requires extra attention’

Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are at risk for problems in the development of attention and executive functions. Interventions targeting attention and executive functions in young children are not typically available in clinical practice. Thus, the book PlayfulBrain was published, for parents of 0-4 year olds. PlayfulBrain consists of psychoeducation on attention and executive function development and games targeting these aspects through parent-child play. This pilot study investigated experiences with the PlayfulBrain programme and whether parents will play using the book. The study showed that delivering the PlayfulBrain programme leads to parents playing games targeting the development of executive functions with their child. Besides, parents were positive about the programme, but found it challenging to incorporate the dedicated play in daily life.

Implications for clinical practice

Further research is crucial to examine whether playing PlayfulBrain games leads to, for example, more advanced development of executive functions in children. This knowledge will benefit parents and children, because there are yet few programmes that successfully stimulate the development of attention and executive function.