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
Sources: DePompei, R. & Blosser, J. (1987). Strategies for Helping Head-Injured Children Successfully Return to School. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, Vol.18 292–300.
From the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training. Reprinted with permission.