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Objectives:Social cognition is frequently impaired following an acquired brain injury (ABI) but often overlooked in clinical assessments. There are few validated and appropriate measures of social cognitive abilities for ABI patients. The current study examined the validity of the Edinburgh Social Cognition Test (ESCoT, Baksh et al., 2018) in measuring social cognition following an ABI.Methods:Forty-one patients with ABI were recruited from a rehabilitation service and completed measures of general ability, executive functions and social cognition (Faux Pas; FP, Reading the Mind in the Eyes; RME, Social Norms Questionnaire; SNQ and the ESCoT). Forty-one controls matched on age, sex and years of education also performed the RME, SNQ and ESCoT.Results:A diagnosis of ABI was significantly associated with poorer performance on all ESCoT measures and RME while adjusting for age, sex and years of education. In ABI patients, the ESCoT showed good internal consistency with its subcomponents and performance correlated with the other measures of social cognition demonstrating convergent validity. Better Trail Making Test performance predicted better ESCoT total, RME and SNQ scores. Higher TOPF IQ was associated with higher RME scores, while higher WAIS-IV working memory predicted better FP performance.Conclusions:The ESCoT is a brief, valid and internally consistent assessment tool able to detect social cognition deficits in neurological patients. Given the prevalence of social cognition deficits in ABI and the marked impact these can have on an individual’s recovery, this assessment can be a helpful addition to a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.

RationaleChildren and young people with epilepsy (CYPwE) are particularly vulnerable to developing social, emotional, behavioural and learning difficulties, which, if not identified or addressed at an early stage, can impact adversely on quality of life and long-term psychosocial outcomes. This paper describes the development of a screening protocol and a pathway of early, ‘stepped’ intervention, which aims to address this issue, together with initial outcomes.MethodsThe Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was completed by CYPwE and their parents prior to routine epilepsy clinic appointments. A traffic light system was devised to indicate the reported level of concern and a potential route through the early intervention pathway. ResultsOf those CYPwE screened, 53% were found to be experiencing elevated levels of mental health difficulties, which had not previously been identified, and had the opportunity to access an appropriate early intervention. Initial feedback on the PAVES pathway has been positive, with high levels of feasibility and acceptability indicated by young people, parents and clinicians. ConclusionsThe PAVES approach enables mental health difficulties to be identified and appropriate intervention accessed at an early stage, potentially improving long-term psychosocial outcomes for CYPwE. In addition, if found to be effective in larger trials, PAVES has potential to be adapted and generalised to other populations.

This paper reports on the impact of a one–hour training session on staff understanding of behavioural theory and confidence in managing challenging behaviour. The training was developed for staff working with neurological difficulties, including acquired brain injury. It aimed to provide staff with an understanding of basic behavioural theory concepts and how this may translate into possible interventions in their practice. As hypothesised, the training significantly increased staff self–reported confidence and understanding of behavioural interventions.

Fifteen punchy five–minute talks were given in quick succession at the Anniversary Conference this year, the datablitz session sticking to time thanks in part to the evidently well–functioning frontal lobes of those presenting, and in part to highly efficient and only very mildly aggressive chairing by Simon Prangnell (threats of water–pistol attacks on anyone exceeding their timeslot no doubt live long in the memory). The abstracts from those presentations are included for your enjoyment here. They cover an impressive range of topics and give a very positive impression of the service–based research being undertaken in neuropsychology departments across the UK.

This article describes the development of a multidisciplinary stepped-care model for adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as its challenges and achievements to date on how best to integrate this model of care in current services and economic climate.

A multidisciplinary relaxation group has found to be effective in reducing tension levels in inpatients undergoing neurorehabilitation. This paper describes a model that could be implemented into routine care.

Social cognition can be impaired in a range of neuro-degenerative conditions, yet the impact of these difficulties on behaviour and social relationships is not yet fully understood. This study assessed social cognition in 27 participants with Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (DAT) and their co-residing partners (N= 27) and explored the relationships between social cognition, cognitive ability, relationship continuity and behaviour following diagnosis. In line with previous research, participants with dementia scored lower on social cognition tasks compared to their partners. Behaviour changes such as apathy, disinhibition and agitation in participants with dementia were significantly related to relationship continuity; however, no significant associations were found with measures of social cognition. The results of this study are discussed within a therapeutic context and in line with current guidelines and policies.