A Wallan childhood stroke survivor has thrown her support behind a new resource to educate Australians on the impact of stroke in children and how to support them.
Hailey Barber was just six years old and in prep when she had a stroke in 1999 which took her away from school for four months.
“It was a really frightening time especially not being able to communicate to anyone what was going on.”
The now-29-year-old says returning to school was isolating and came with huge challenges.
“It was really hard keeping up with my peers. I wanted to run around and do things but the fatigue wouldn’t let me and other pupils weren’t sure why I was doing certain things like constantly leaving lids off textas.”
To help educate friends, families and school communities, Stroke Foundation launched its ‘All Brains Are Beautiful’ fact sheet. It explains the impact of stroke in children including how stroke affects a child’s feelings, their friendships and ability to learn.
Stroke Foundation National Manager StrokeConnect Information, Ms Jude Czerenkowski, says starting school or going back to school can be an anxious time for children after stroke.
“Some kids may not be able to do what they used to do. They may do things differently. They may need help or more time.”
Every year, approximately 600 strokes are suffered by Australian children.
It’s hoped the new fact sheet will help ease the transition to school for childhood stroke survivors and their families.
“The fact sheet is written for parents to read through with their pre and primary school aged children. It explains what a stroke is and how it can affect children. It has lots of great advice on how to help. Having good friends, who are kind and who include them, makes a world of difference to childhood stroke survivors.” Ms Czerenkowski says.
“It’s a good resource when you’re trying to reassimilate into school and trying to find your feet again and gives your peers an understanding of what was going on and they don’t treat it as a taboo subject,” Hailey added.
