Update on Justin's Summer of Therapy

Update on Justin's Summer of Therapy

After a beautiful trip to Ireland, Justin completed a summer-long therapy program at the Center of Transitional Neurorehabilitation/Barrow Neurological Hospital. He worked hard in speech therapy on word finding and communicating his ideas. Justin's speech therapist also addressed expressive communication compensations and the ambiguity that is experienced when trying to understand Justin in a conversation. Justin's neuropsych worked on self-regulating areas such as assertiveness, social interactions, social functioning and accurate expressions of emotion. Justin gained a realistic understanding of his neuro-behavioral strengths and challenges and how they relate to his recovery and rehabilitation process now and in the future. Justin also participated in recreational therapy. Through varied settings, he was assigned tasks in order to facilitate confidence and help him connect with others.

As we remain positive and hopeful in Justin's ongoing rehabilitation journey, we realize that support from friends is also important. Please turn your positive thoughts into action and reach out to Justin. He has some challenging and unfamiliar roads ahead of him but he has demonstrated amazing perseverance thus far and with continued support, he will continue to improve.

Justin started U of A this week. He has additional tutoring assistance and advisement through SALT (Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques). He hopes to join some clubs and workout at the rec center on campus too.

The two summers that Justin spent at CTN/Barrow have been incredible. The passion and dedication of his therapists command admiration and immeasurable gratitude. Justin will return to CTN in 2015 to continue his rehabilitation work and recovery journey.

Every traumatic brain injury is unique. Take some time to watch this TED talk on brain injuries "83,00 Brain Scans": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esPRsT-lmw8

Justin at CTN with therapists

Justin and Mom in Bog

Justin and Shannon at the Peace Wall, Belfast