Challenges for Students Following Brain Injury

The following characteristics can occur in the child with traumatic head injury.

Communication

Observe for problems in:

• language
• writing
• articulation
• computation
• word finding (anomia)
• abstraction
• reading

Physical

Look for impairments in:

• mobility
• vision
• strength
• hearing
• coordination

Cognitive

Watch for difficulty in:

• memory – short and long term
• thought processes
• conceptual skills
• problem solving

Perceptual Motor

Think about involvement in:

• visual neglect
• visual field cuts
• motor apraxia
• motor speed
• motor sequencing

Behavior

Be aware that brain damage may account for:

• impulsivity
• depression
• poor judgment
• emotional ability
• disinhibition
• apathy
• dependency
• lethargy
• anger outbursts
• poor motivation
• denial

Social

Sensitize yourself to know the child with a brain injury may:

• have difficulty learning from peers
• have difficulty learning from social situations
• behave like a much younger child
• withdraw
• become distracted in noisy surroundings
• become lost even in familiar surroundings