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Traumatic Brain Injury - Instructional Strategies Brain injury is complex, and its effects are frequently not visible or immediately apparent. It can cause physical, cognitive, and social changes that affect an individual for a short period of time or permanently. The recovery period for TBI can extend for months, and even a year or more. No two cases are identical, and symptoms caused by a brain injury vary widely. Some common results are seizures, loss of balance or coordination, difficulty with speech, limited concentration, memory loss, and loss of organizational and reasoning skills. While no two children with TBI will need precisely the same assistance, there are a number of strategies that can help TBI students succeed in their school work. Many of these are similar to strategies used for students with learning disabilities or ADHD. Remember, though, that TBI is a different condition requiring individualized responses.
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. Adapted from information published by the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities |
