Schooling and education

TBI affects students

ƒThe effects of TBI vary greatly from student to student; no two will be alike.ƒSometimes the effects of a brain injury are not obvious at first but be-come more noticeable later when thinking and social activities increase at school.

Planning to return to school

Much of the frustration and confusion related to returning to school can be avoided with proper planning.

Rehabilitation professionals should communicate with family members and school personnel to help find the most effective ways to help the student return. This communication may need to be initiated by the student’s family. School personnel should be contacted as soon as possible after the injury to plan for the student’s return to school.

Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is critical when a young person is returning to school after a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Parents have the most knowledge about their child and are deeply invested in their daughter’s or on’s well-being and future. Often parents become advocates to ensure that all essential supports are in place to enhance their child’s successful return to school. Parents may also be a go-between to make sure all the necessary medical information has been provided so the school can design the best plan for the student. If the student is close to exiting school, vocational rehabilitation professionals may also be involved.

Schools' supports for students with TBI

It is important to obtain information about the student’s pre-injury cognitive abilities from current or former teachers, and from the student’s rehabilitation professionals such as necropsychologists.

Educators and family members need to understand the nature and severity of the injury. A neuropsychologist and other rehabilitation professionals can evaluate the student’s current strengths and abilities and recommend possible supports both in and out of the classroom. This information can be used to determine what classes the student should be placed in and any changes needed within the classroom.

 

 

 

 

Practical Tools On-line

Tool (Browse in window below)	New Tab	Description
Ronald McDonald Learning Program NEW TAB ONLY		This national program helps children with serious illness catch up at school post lengthy hospital stays.  Education for teachers to support children on return to school post illness is also offered.
Resilient Building in Kids		Parentwise Podcast Series - This Cerebral Palsy Alliance podcast series offers practical tips for parents on a variety of issues including encouraging positive behaviour and resilience
Practical ToolsNEW TAB ONLY		Practical tools for working with children and teaching self regulation strategies.
Synapse Behaviours Fact Sheets		Synapse fact sheets on a variety of behavioural issues and management approaches. These are not paediatric specific but with clinical discernment will have application to the paediatric population

 

 

 

Factsheets and Documents

Resource (Browse in window below)	New Tab	Description
Making a Successful Return to Education: Supporting Children and Young People with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI)		This document draws on our experience of accompanying Sam White on his educational journey, as he returned to school following his treatment for a brain tumour. His experience provided invaluable learning about what should be considered good practice around preparing for a child or young person’s return to school post-ABI. He was an inspiration to those who were lucky enough to have known or worked with him. Therefore, this document is dedicated in his memory as a legacy of his strength and determination that others should benefit from his experience
Planning for Personalised Learning and Support: A National Resource		A national education resource which details the school process and responsibilities in ensuring suitable personalised learning supports are in place for children with a disability.  A good resource for clinicians to familiarise themselves with school process and expectations.  There are also further resources listed in this document regarding disability standards for education.
Returning to School after TBI		How does TBI affect students? Planning to return to school How can schools support students with TBI?
Considerations for return to school mild BI / concussion		Build your knowledge Create a supportive and concussion aware school culture Know your role in facilitating and enabling successful return-to-school for students after a concussion
SWIBRS 6. Choosing a School		Information and strategies for parents on choosing and transitioning to a High School
SWIBRS 7. Study Skills		Strategies to help with study after brain injury written for teenagers.
SWIBRS 8. Teachers and Aides		Ideas, strategies, and resources for teachers and aides working with a student who has sustained a brain injury.

Personalised Support

Resource (Browse in window below)	New Tab	Description
Making a Successful Return to Education: Supporting Children and Young People with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI)		This document draws on our experience of accompanying Sam White on his educational journey, as he returned to school following his treatment for a brain tumour. His experience provided invaluable learning about what should be considered good practice around preparing for a child or young person’s return to school post-ABI. He was an inspiration to those who were lucky enough to have known or worked with him. Therefore, this document is dedicated in his memory as a legacy of his strength and determination that others should benefit from his experience
Planning for Personalised Learning and Support: A National Resource		A national education resource which details the school process and responsibilities in ensuring suitable personalised learning supports are in place for children with a disability.  A good resource for clinicians to familiarise themselves with school process and expectations.  There are also further resources listed in this document regarding disability standards for education.
Returning to School after TBI		How does TBI affect students? Planning to return to school How can schools support students with TBI?
Considerations for return to school mild BI / concussion		Build your knowledge Create a supportive and concussion aware school culture Know your role in facilitating and enabling successful return-to-school for students after a concussion
SWIBRS 6. Choosing a School		Information and strategies for parents on choosing and transitioning to a High School
SWIBRS 7. Study Skills		strategies to help with study after brain injury written for teenagers.
SWIBRS 8. Teachers and Aides		Ideas, strategies, and resources for teachers and aides working with a student who has sustained a brain injury.

Returning to school after an acquired brain injury