3.3 - Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

"ABI describes all types of brain injury that occur after birth and should not be confused with an intellectual disability. Those with an ABI do not necessarily experience a decline in their overall level of general intellectual functioning. Rather, they are more likely to experience specific cognitive changes that lead to difficulty in areas such as memory, concentration and communication."

"An ABI is not a mental illness. Mental illness is an observable abnormality in the functioning of the brain, and although a brain injury does alter the functioning of the brain, it is an observable abnormality in the structure of the brain - that is, a physical condition that causes a change in function. A mental illness on the other hand, does not by definition arise from a physical condition."

"There is very little understanding or knowledge in the community about brain injury and the impact it has on individuals and families. Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is often called the hidden disability because its long term problems are usually in the areas of thinking and behaviour, and are not as easy to see and recognise as many other physical disabilities.

As a consequence, the difficulties that those with brain injuries face are easily ignored or misunderstood. Even family members and friends may regard a person with an ABI, who exhibits cognitive problems or changed behaviour, as lazy or hard to get along with."

Definition courtesy of Brain Injury Association of Queensland

See also fact sheets at Brain Injury Australia