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  Strategies and Tips:

Encourage the child to write down information they need to remember and to repeat it to the teacher or parent, to ensure they have processed the information fully.

Rehearsing and repeating information is necessary to store information from short-term memory, so the maximum of repetition in any learning situation will help the child.

Shorter instructions with simple words are easier to remember.

Allow the child plenty of time to process the information.  There may be a time delay for the words to “sink in”.  Even though this may be only a slight delay, it can still be sufficient for the child to have difficulty following the conversation.

Evolve a system of keeping a reliable diary which can be used for communication between school/nursery and home (e.g. writing down details of trips, homework, etc.)

Use labels to indicate where things go (e.g. toys, clothes, etc.).

Try to stick to a regular routine, for example getting ready for school at the same time each day.

Place signs in places where the child might forget to take something (e.g. a sign by the door reminding them to take their lunch/homework).

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Children with Hydrocephalus generally perform better on tasks that involve verbal answers than on tasks that require visual or spatial awareness;  for example, they will find craft work, construction and jigsaws difficult.  They may be challenged in tasks where judging depth and distance is required.

 In particular, children with hydrocephalus may have difficulty with route finding in new places due to visual difficulties.  63% of children with hydrocephalus were found to have difficulties finding their way in new places in comparison to only 7% of other children.  For example, children with hydrocephalus may have difficulty finding their way around their school.  This can result in the children getting lost, being late for class, feeling incompetent or getting bullied.

 They may also have difficulties in co-ordination.  This may impact on the types of leisure activities they are able to enjoy.  For example, children with hydrocephalus often find it difficult to ride a bike due to their difficulty with spatial awareness and balance. 

 It is important to realize that the child will also benefit if a step-by-step sequence is followed when they are being taught.  So by talking through each step of the task, and saying what is needed or the reasons for each step, the child will be able to complete the task more effectively.

Watching what the child does, rather than listening to what they say, will highlight the child’s difficulties and weaknesses.

 Children’s visual abilities can be strengthened by asking them, from a young age, to talk about a picture.  This will encourage the child to pay attention to visual details.

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When there is a baby or child with hydrocephalus in the family it can be easy for the parents to be so involved with their care that other children feel pushed out. 

 Having a brother sister with hydrocephalus can be difficult for some children.  Siblings may find it hard to understand why their brother or sister is the way they are, they may feel guilt that they are fine whereas their sibling is not, and they may also feel isolated form the family group as their sibling may get more parental attention.

 1. Explain to the non-hydrocephalus brother or sister what hydrocephalus is and the effects it has as a medical condition.  Sometimes siblings overhear things and worry about what they have heard.  They need to know that they won’t “catch” hydrocephalus. 

2. Do not leave out the sibling/s from discussions and meetings about the child with hydrocephalus.  Involve siblings in plans for both the immediate and near future-they need to know, for example, what would happen to them in the case of an emergency hospitalization.

 4. Make sure that the child without hydrocephalus gets some quality time with you alone.  Enjoy some “special time” which is just for them.

 5. Enjoy outings with all the family too-try a picnic or swimming-which involves all of you.

 6. Do not overburden them with greater responsibilities and expectations, and, in particular, do not use a sibling as a caregiver for the  child with hydrocephalus.

 Disclaimer:  This site is directed towards parents of children and adults who have hydrocephalus.  Inclusion of any resource or website does not imply Hydrocephalus Family Support Group’s endorsement.

 Any medical or healthcare reference or advice is intended for informational purposes only.  If you have any questions relating to you/your child’s condition, please consult your doctor.