Resources for Families
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Recovery and Outcome from Acquired Brain Injury
Sexuality
In the adolescent, this normal period of conflict involving cars, drugs, alcohol, peers, and sex can be intensified following a head injury. The normal tendency to rebel and look to peers for support is still there. Perhaps the individual's peer relationships have changed, and a new group has emerged that is not familiar to the family. Maybe some of these issues were present before the injury and are intensified. Perhaps the injury occured while involved in an activity for which the child was not given permission by the parent. As the child recovers, but has not regained good insight into his deficits or judgement, he may continue with these behaviors, despite warnings. Perhaps the young girl feels less attractive since her injury, and since her peer relationships have changed, she seeks promiscuity as a way to help feel better about herself.
Brain Injury Association of America