Executive Function and Social Skill Support After Traumatic Brain Injury

In the United States, there are 5.3 million people living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) (CDC, 2017). Globally, it is estimated that by the year 2020, 10 million people will be affected annually (Humphreys, Wood, Phillips & Macey, 2013). The impact of TBI is immense not only for affected individuals, but also for caregivers, friends, colleagues, and families. From a psychosocial perspective, the economic effects of TBI have been projected over the course of a lifetime at $9.2 billion for medical expenses and $51.2 billion in productivity losses (Eakin, Baratz-Goldstein, Pick, Zindel, Balaban, 2014). The consequences of TBI are lifelong and far-reaching with a lot of variables influencing long-term rehabilitation. Many individuals experience lifelong physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments that affect interpersonal, social, and occupational domains. Successful rehabilitation has the potential for substantial economic savings for both society and the affected individual (Humphreys et al., 2013). However, the challenges presented by TBI cross professional boundaries and necessitate a unified, integrated plan of treatment that extends beyond rehabilitation facilities to the individual’s daily environment. It is critical that those comprising the support systems of persons with TBI gain an understanding of current challenges and potential hurdles on the road ahead. This article will discuss the social and emotional needs and the supports and treatment interventions required to maximize positive outcomes in daily living and employment arenas.