26 July 2024

Teen Online Problem-Solving (TOPS) is an evidence-based intervention that seeks to address the psychological and interpersonal issues that often arise in families after an adolescent is diagnosed with a brain condition such as epilepsy, brain tumour or traumatic brain injury. TOPS was developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital by Dr. Shari Wade. TOPS is delivered using an educational website and online therapy sessions focusing on using problem solving techniques. The TOPS website teaches young people and families about the common symptoms of brain conditions, as well as how they can use problem solving techniques and other coping strategies to help adapt to the changes they have been experiencing since their diagnosis. 

This webinar will briefly cover common consequences of acquired brain injuries in children and adolescents, review the development and content of the New Zealand version of TOPS (TOPS-NZ), and how the program can be used to support adolescents with complex neurological conditions, and focus on ‘next steps’ towards TOPS-NZ implementation in New Zealand and opportunities for involvement. 

All attendees will be provided temporary access to TOPS-NZ following the webinar, for their review and exploration.
 

Dr. Kelly Jones 

Kelly is a registered Psychologist (developmental) and Associate Professor at the Auckland University of Technology where she leads the Acquired Brain Injury research program. Over the past 14-years, Kelly has been involved in research focusing on the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and outcomes for children, particularly following mild TBI. Kelly serves on the National Board of Brain Injury New Zealand, and is passionate about supporting children’s social, emotional, and behavioural development.