- 416-830-1485
- 40 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 205, Toronto, ON M4T 1M9
- info@abijustice.org
Courtrooms can be stressful, unfamiliar, and overwhelming environments, especially for individuals living with acquired brain injury (ABI). Cognitive fatigue, anxiety, communication difficulties, and emotional stress may affect how a person behaves, responds, or presents themselves during legal proceedings.
Behaviour that may appear distracted, nervous, confused, or emotionally withdrawn can sometimes be connected to the effects of brain injury rather than disrespect or non-compliance. Recognizing these challenges is important in supporting fair participation within the justice system.
A respectful, patient, and brain injury-informed approach can help reduce misunderstandings and improve communication throughout courtroom proceedings.
Two common reactions of those with sensory processing difficulties are to either shut down or act out. When a person with a Brain Injury shuts down, he or she may “go flat” or display a flat affect, limiting his or her response. Conversely, the accused with a Brain Injury may also act out with verbal or physical rage.
Information has been adapted with permission from www.fasdjustice.ca
In the courtroom, an accused with a Brain Injury may:
Some individuals with Brain Injury are also prone to confabulation – a memory that they believe to be true, but is actually a fabrication of the truth. So, different organizations focus on different needs, so choosing the right one depends on your personal situation and recovery goals.
If you are interested in becoming a part of this database, please provide your contact details for more information and further training opportunities.
