Reentry to School After a TBI

Families and school staff often expect that the student will be fine and recover fully from a TBI. While this attitude is hopeful, it can also make it harder to accept that the challenges and needs of a student following TBI are real and that these problems need prompt attention. This issue is compounded because students often look normal after a TBI, even when there are cognitive challenges such as memory or executive functioning difficulties. It is helpful to recall that students will likely need support that can be altered quickly to meet the rapidly changing needs as the student heals.

If a student has a moderate to severe brain injury, one of the first transitions is likely the move from the hospital to home. When the student first comes home, the focus is typically on meeting the student’s physical needs, getting to appointments, adjusting to new routines and trying to return to a normal life. Students with mild brain injuries may have little, if any, time in the hospital. For all students with traumatic brain injury, the school team is most successful in supplying interventions when communication flows between the medical community, school and family. Families, students and teachers may be confused – wondering if the student will need support and what type of supports will be most effective upon the student’s reentry to school. Use the information on the right to guide the process of reentry.