We celebrate the landmark NICE guideline for children with acquired brain injury
Published on: 07/11/25
The Children’s Trust are pleased to welcome the publication of the NICE Guideline NG252: ‘Rehabilitation for Chronic Neurological Disorders Including Acquired Brain Injury’, a major step forward for children, young people and families affected by acquired brain injury (ABI).
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides UK-wide guidance and advice to improve health and social care. The guideline introduces a long-awaited national framework for rehabilitation, addressing the complex and lifelong needs of a group that has historically been overlooked in healthcare policy and service provision.
This is the first national guidance to cover rehabilitation for children and adults with ABI and chronic neurological disorders. It advocates for integrated, child- and family-centred care across health, education and community services, and calls for holistic assessments and coordinated pathways that reflect the full scope of a child’s recovery; including physical, emotional, cognitive, social and identity needs.
Eric Power, deputy director of NICE’s centre for guidelines, said:
“Without consistent rehabilitation support, people can experience unnecessary decline in their condition and quality of life. This new guideline will help ensure people living with these chronic conditions get the ongoing rehabilitation care and support they need to improve their health and wellbeing.”
Dr Jenny Jim, Head of Psychological Therapies/Consultant Clinical Psychologist at The Children’s Trust and Honorary Associate Professor at University College London, served as an independent advisor on the NICE committee responsible for developing the guideline. While Dr Jim participated in an impartial capacity, The Children’s Trust supported her involvement, enabling her to contribute as the only paediatric clinical psychologist on the panel.
Dr Jenny Jim said:
“I am incredibly proud to have been part of this guideline development – four years of intensive involvement with an amazing group of clinicians, researchers and experts by experience,”
“This is the first time national guidance has truly listened to and respected the unique needs of children with acquired brain injury. It lays the foundation for equitable, joined-up care and accountability across sectors.”
Historically, children with ABI have struggled to access appropriate services, often falling between the gaps of mental and physical health provision. The Rehabilitation for Chronic Neurological Disorders Including Acquired Brain Injury guidance acknowledges this disparity and provides a framework for lifelong care and accountability. It also reflects a cultural shift in how brain injury is understood, supported by a growing body of research and advocacy in the field.
Melanie Burrough, Director of Therapies and Education at The Children’s Trust said:
“We are proud to have supported Dr Jim in contributing to this landmark publication and to have her expertise recognised at a national level. Facilitating her involvement is reflective of our commitment to advancing national policy and improving outcomes for children with acquired brain injury.
This guidance is a historic moment for the field and aligns closely with our mission to help every child and young person with brain injury live the best life possible. It is a vital step toward ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing the care and services they need.”
The Children’s Trust continues to champion the rights of children with acquired brain injury and neurodisability, and remains dedicated to using its clinical expertise and experience to shape policy and improve care across the sector.
