Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Supporting Students in Their Healing and Learning
- Lyssete Tagulao
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
Definition
According to IDEA, a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an acquired injury to the brain caused by an external force, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury, that results in total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment. TBI affects learning, memory, attention, behavior, or physical abilities, and the effects can be temporary or permanent.
Characteristics
Every brain injury is different. Students with TBI may:
Have trouble remembering things they just learned
Struggle to focus or follow directions
Seem confused or get tired easily
Show changes in behavior or mood
Have difficulty with speech or language
Struggle with organizing tasks or problem-solving
Need more time to complete tasks or process information
These challenges may come and go or get better over time with support.
Accommodations & Modifications
To help students with TBI succeed, educators can:
Provide step-by-step instructions and visual cues
Break tasks into smaller parts
Allow extra time for assignments or tests
Offer rest breaks throughout the day
Use graphic organizers to support memory and thinking
Seat the student in a quiet area with few distractions
Give written and verbal directions
Create a predictable routine and check in regularly
Collaboration with families, therapists, and counselors is key.
Resources
Offers facts about TBI, rehabilitation tips, school support strategies, and connections to local resources.
Provides research-based tools for educators and families, including classroom tips, videos, and recovery support for students with brain injuries.
A recent, educator-focused video covering key strategies, classroom adjustments, and real-world examples for supporting students after TBI.
4. 📖 Book: Working with Traumatic Brain Injury in Schools: Transition, Assessment, and Intervention by Paul B. Jantz & Susan C. Davies
A comprehensive guide specifically written for school educators and psychologists. It covers brain anatomy, TBI recovery, educational assessment, and tailored school interventions.
Provides college-level disability support but highly applicable to K–12. Includes practical classroom strategies like using graphic organizers, breaking instructions into steps, seating in low-distraction areas, using schedules, and supporting note-taking.
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