Stroke can affect babies (including in the womb), children and young people of any age. The impact is different for every child and family and can change as a child gets older. Here you will find information and useful resources to help any professional working with children to better understand childhood stroke and ways support children and their families.

On this page:

I am a healthcare professional

We provide clinical guidance, resources and training to support healthcare professionals working with children and young people affected by stroke.

These clinical guidelines were created in collaboration with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health to support best practice.

This childhood stroke information video supports medical students to understand the fundamentals of childhood stroke and clinical management, as well as the wider life impacts for children and families. The video may also be relevant for students or qualified staff from other healthcare professions.

Access guidance, tools, webinars and research to support your practice.

  • Online parent support sessions – where parents can hear from a healthcare professional who specialises in childhood stroke, ask questions, chat with other parents, carers and guardians and share experiences.
  • Parent-to-Parent Volunteer Calls – speak with one of our trained parent volunteers who understand what you're going through. All our volunteers are parents of a child who has had a stroke.

How to refer to Childhood Stroke Support

Any professional can refer a child and their family directly for support.

doctor smiling at patient

I am a teacher or SENCO

Children and young people may need ongoing support when they return to nursery, school or college after a stroke. We provide practical resources and training to support learning, wellbeing and inclusion.

A child may need support after a stroke when they are at nursery or school. Our dedicated team can deliver an online session for teachers and school staff. Sessions can support you to understand childhood stroke, its impacts, and provide you with practical tips for the classroom. These last 1 hour 45 minutes and can be tailored to a child’s needs. Please email childhoodstroke@stroke.org.uk to arrange a session.

Stroke Support Helpline – for professionals too

Our friendly team is here to support teachers and other professionals who work with children and families affected by childhood stroke.

Hema, from our Stroke Support Helpline, sits, smiling, at her desk with her telephone headset on as if waiting to answer a call.

Resources for everyone who works with children and young people

If you work with children and young people in any setting, including healthcare and education, the following resources and information can help you understand childhood stroke and support those affected.

  • Information leaflet – explaining what support is available, how to access support and how to contact us.
  • Poster (A4) – suitable for communal areas, highlighting support available after a child's stroke.
  • Introductory card – includes details of how families can contact us.

These can be displayed in any relevant setting to raise awareness that stroke happens to children and young people too. 

Stroke in unborn and newborn babies (perinatal stroke) – information on diagnosis, signs, treatment, impact and support needs.

What is childhood stroke? – information on causes, treatments and impact.

The Stroke Association is there to truly support both patients and families in ways that other services can't.

Megan, OT / Team Lead

Get in touch and stay connected

Email the team to:

  • Join the mailing list to get updates on support offers, online parent groups and opportunities to shape our work. Please email your name and job title to childhoodstroke@stroke.org.uk.
  • Learn about how we can support you and people affected by stroke in childhood/those you support.
  • Find out how we can work together to better support parents, guardians and family members.
  • Invite us to an event or conference.

Receive the latest stroke information, resources, research findings and events. Sign up.

Other sources of help and information

Emotional and behavioural changes after childhood stroke
Find out how a stroke can affect a child's emotions and behaviours, memory, concentration, communication, mobility and vision, and lead to fatigue.
Find out more
Professionals
Find resources, events and information for professionals providing care and support to those affected, or at risk of stroke.
Find out more
About us
We’re here to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke.
Find out more
Get involved overview
Explore ways you can give your time to help people affected by stroke, including volunteering, campaigning and more.
Find out more
Getting support after a childhood stroke
Finding support for your child – such as therapy, learning support and care – depends on several things. These include your child's age now, their age when they had a stroke, and the impact of their stroke.
Find out more
I am a young person
If you've had a stroke as a child or teenager, you're not alone. Hear from other young stroke survivors and find resources to help you understand stroke.
Find out more
Understanding your stroke - a child's guide
This page is designed for children to help them understand what a stroke is, why it happens and what problems it can cause. Includes videos and a handbook.
Find out more
I am a parent
If your child has had a stroke, we're here to help. Find resources, question sheets for appointments and links to childhood stroke support services.
Find out more