(Mis)Understandings about Communication Post-Concussion: Qualitative Collective Case Study Investigating Perspectives of Youth and Their Families

The language used in the description reflects the language of the session.

Authors:

Jessica A Harasym, PhD Candidate, Rehabilitation Science, MSLP, R.SLP, S-LP(C), Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta; Shanon E Phelan, PhD, OT Reg (NS), Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University; Douglas P Gross, PhD, PT, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta.

Concussions are a significant health concern for Canadian youth. With perspectives and needs distinct from children and adults, youth are underrepresented in concussion research. Youth is a critical phase of social-emotional and cognitive development. A concussion can reshape a youth's social roles, family dynamics and academic performance, especially when changes occur in talking, thinking, reading, writing, or relating to others. This poster presentation addresses existing research gaps through in-depth exploration of the experience of living with post-concussion communication difficulties from the youth perspective. We explore the intersections of communication, concussion recovery and well-being while centering youth's voices in the research.