Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when there is impact to the head. TBI can be the result of accidents, sports injuries, or physical abuse. The result may include concussion, coma, and/or impaired performance in activities that are controlled or maintained by the part of the brain that was injured. Recovery from TBI takes time, patience, and accommodations in order to address areas of performance that are impacted.
Due to the nature of TBI, it is often first identified by medical personnel. Once medical treatment has reached a point where a person can return to school or work, it is a good idea to have a comprehensive psychological-educational evaluation conducted in order to determine current cognitive functioning, supports, accommodations, modifications, and areas of academic and social-emotional/behavioral deficit.
The psychological-educational assessment can lead to an action plan to address areas of weakness and to develop a course of interventions in order to facilitate the development and strengthening of skills and executive functioning that may have been impaired as a result of TBI.
