Executive Function and Social Skill Support After Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

In the United States, there are 5.3 million people livingwith a traumatic brain injury (TBI) (CDC, 2017). Globally, itis estimated that by the year 2020, 10 million people will beaffected annually (Humphreys, Wood, Phillips & Macey,2013). The impact of TBI is immense not only for affectedindividuals, but also for caregivers, friends, colleagues, andfamilies. From a psychosocial perspective, the economiceffects of TBI have been projected over the course of alifetime at $9.2 billion for medical expenses and $51.2 billionin productivity losses (Eakin, Baratz-Goldstein, Pick, Zindel,Balaban, 2014). The consequences of TBI are lifelong andfar-reaching with a lot of variables influencing long-termrehabilitation. Many individuals experience lifelongphysical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments that affectinterpersonal, social, and occupational domains. Successfulrehabilitation has the potential for substantial economicsavings for both society and the affected individual(Humphreys et al., 2013). However, the challenges presentedby TBI cross professional boundaries and necessitate aunified, integrated plan of treatment that extends beyondrehabilitation facilities to the individual’s daily environment.It is critical that those comprising the support systems ofpersons with TBI gain an understanding of current challengesand potential hurdles on the road ahead. This article willdiscuss the social and emotional needs and the supports andtreatment interventions required to maximize positiveoutcomes in daily living and employment arenas.