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Learn about TBI - For Individuals and Families

Back to School With TBI

Susan's Story

Susan was five years old when she was hit by a car while riding her bike. She broke her arm and leg. She also hit her head very hard. The doctors say she sustained a traumatic brain injury. When she came home from the hospital, she needed lots of help, but now she looks fine.

In fact, that's part of the problem, especially at school. Her friends and teachers think her brain has healed because her broken bones have. But there are changes in Susan that are hard to understand. It takes Susan longer to do things. She has trouble remembering things. She can't always find the words she wants to use. Reading is hard for her now. It's going to take time before people really understand the changes they see in her.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by the head being hit by something or shaken violently. This injury can change how the person acts, moves and thinks. A traumatic brain injury can also change how a student learns and acts in school.

What About School?

Although TBI is very common, many medical and education professionals may not realize that some difficulties can be caused by a childhood brain injury. Often, students with TBI are thought to have a learning disability, emotional disturbance, or mental retardation. As a result, they don't receive the type of educational help and support they really need.

When children with TBI return to school, their educational and emotional needs are often very different than before the injury. Their disability has happened suddenly and traumatically. They can often remember how they were before the brain injury. This can bring on many emotional and social changes. The child's family, friends, and teachers also recall what the child was like before the injury. These other people in the child's life may have trouble changing or adjusting their expectations of the child.

Therefore, it is extremely important to plan carefully for the child's return to school. Parents will want to find out ahead of time about special education services at the school. This information is usually available from the school's principal or special education teacher. The school will need to evaluate the child thoroughly. This evaluation will let the school and parents know what the student's educational needs are. The school and parents will then develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that addresses those educational needs.

It's important to remember that the IEP is a flexible plan. It can be changed as the parents, the school and the student learn more about what the student needs at school.

Tips for Parents

• Learn about TBI. The more you know, the more you can help yourself and your child.
• Work with the medical team to understand your child's injury and treatment plan. Don't be shy about asking questions. Tell them what you know or think. Make suggestions.
• Keep track of your child's treatment. A three-ring binder or a box can help you store this history. As your child recovers, you may meet with many doctors, nurses, and others. Write down what they say. Put any paperwork they give you in the notebook or throw it in the box. You can't remember all this. Also, if you need to share any of this paperwork with someone else, make a copy. Don't give away your original.
• Talk to other parents whose children have TBI. There are parent groups all over the U.S. Parents can share practical advice and emotional support. Call NICHCY (1-800-695-0285) to locate parent groups near you.
• If your child was in school before the injury, plan for his or her return to school. Get in touch with the school. Ask the principal about special education services. Have the medical team share information with the school.
• When your child returns to school, ask the school to test your child as soon as possible to identify his or her special education needs. Meet with the school and help develop a plan for your child called an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Keep in touch with your child's teacher. Tell the teacher about how your child is doing at home. Ask how your child is doing in school.
• Give your child's teacher the tips for teachers' fact sheet.

Tips for Teachers: When Your Student has a Traumatic Brain Injury

• Find out as much as you can about the child's injury and his or her present needs. Learn more about Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from the many resources that exist.
• Give the student more time to finish schoolwork and tests.
• Give directions one step at a time. For tasks with many steps, it helps to give the student written directions.
• Show the student how to perform new tasks. Give examples to go with new ideas and concepts.
• Have consistent routines. This helps the student know what to expect. If the routine is going to change, let the student know ahead of time.
• Check to make sure that the student has actually learned the new skill. Give the student lots of opportunities to practice the new skill.
• Show the student how to use an assignment book and a daily schedule. This helps the student get organized.
• Realize that the student may get tired quickly. Let the student rest as needed.
• Reduce distractions.
• Keep in touch with the student's parents. Share information about how the student is doing at home and at school.
• Be flexible about expectations. Be patient. Maximize the student's chances for success.