Daniel contracted acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) at the age of three. It caused nausea and vomiting, a headache, irritability and sleepiness. He became unsteady and then lost the ability to walk. He was unable to speak, and his body felt extremely weak. He also suffered a seizure.

As ADEM is classed as an acquired brain injury, it is demyelinating disease that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, predominantly in children. The side effects included loss of balance and Daniel re-learnt how to walk and talk again.

Sport has helped Daniel’s balance issues and has no residual physical effects, but Daniel does struggle with difficulties with attention, processing speed and concentration levels.

Daniel received support for help during exams at School and College. Now at Bangor University Daniel continues to receive support.

It is important to Daniel to be treated like everyone else, he is no different to anyone else.

Daniel says: “I received educational support and luckily did not require any social care interventions as I was able to make a physical recovery”.

Daniel continues: “As a young person during covid, I was not able to attend college and was isolated from friends, because of this I now find supporting my well-being is vital to look after both your physical and mental health. Daniel also supports his friends and their mental health.

Daniel loves sport he paddleboards, goes on hikes and undertakes rock climbing.

• Part 1.2 Understanding health and well-being.
• Part 1.4 Managing health conditions.
• Part 2.3 Indicators of health, Influences of health and well-being.

1. What causes ADEM?
2. Identify two reasons why sport is important to health.
3. What is Daniel’s target age category?
4. How could Daniel further support his well-being?