Special Education Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about Brain Injury In Children

By Marilyn Lash

Following are frequently asked questions about brain injury in children:

Does a brain injury affect a child differently than an adult?

Unlike an adult, a child's brain is still developing right up through adolescence. An injury interrupts this development. Different parts of the brain develop at different ages or stages of a child's maturation. Consequently, the full impact of a child's brain injury may not become evident for many months, or even years, until the brain matures. It takes longer for the effects of a brain injury to be seen in children and the consequences can change over time.

By comparison, an adult's brain is fully developed. This accounts for the dramatic "before and after the brain injury" changes that are so common.. Unlike children, an adult has a lifetime of skills, knowledge and experience of education and work that can be used to adjust to the changes caused by the brain injury. This does not mean that it is easier for the adult who has had a brain injury; it is different because the life experience is different.

Does the age at which a child has a brain injury make a difference?

Yes. The younger the child is when injured, the less developed and more vulnerable to injury is the brain. It used to be thought that younger children were more resilient and "bounced back" after a brain injury. Now, we understand that it simply takes longer for the effects to be seen. It is important to track progress and change over time as the young child's brain develops and matures.

How is a child with a brain injury different from a child with a birth related disorder?

Children with birth related conditions often have diagnoses that are related to heredity, prenatal development, or delivery complications. Examples are mental retardation and cerebral palsy. The child's development is altered or at risk from infancy. Diagnosis is often made early when the child does not progress and reach the normal developmental milestones.

By contrast, it is the ongoing "normal" brain development and functioning that is interrupted in children with brain injuries. It can occur at any age. From that point on, the child's development may be delayed or altered because the brain has been injured and damaged.

There are two types of brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are the result of an external force from a trauma or blow to the head. Examples are when the child's head hits the windshield during a car crash or strikes the floor or ground after a fall. Acquired brain injuries are caused by internal changes as the result of a stroke, tumor, or disease like meningitis or encephalitis.

Does a history of a traumatic brain injury mean a child is eligible for special education?

The category of traumatic brain injury was added under the federal education act in 1991 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). The category is used in all states. However, the diagnosis or history of a traumatic brain injury does not automatically qualify the student for special education. It must be shown that the brain injury has affected the student's ability to learn and function in school. Once a referral for a special education evaluation has been made, the school conducts a comprehensive assessment to determine if the effects of the brain injury and the student's needs meet the requirements for eligibility for special education under the state's regulations.

Does it make any difference what category or classification is used under special education, as long as the student is found eligible and receives services?

Yes. Before the change in the education law, many students with brain injuries were incorrectly described as mentally retarded, learning disabled, or emotionally disturbed. A brain injury can have unique consequences for learning, behavior, and communication. Identifying the student accurately under the classification of traumatic brain injury helps educators recognize the condition and it consequences. They can then develop educational strategies and programs that are individually designed for that student.

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To find more information on our website..http://www.lapublishing.com .

About brain development, go to L&A Publishing's books section and see The Child's Brain: Injury and Development.

About educating students with brain injuries, see L&A Publishing's school series of 11 tip cards and 8 manuals on school and special needs.

About the law of special education and what it means for you and your child, go to our links for School and Special Education. You will find detailed information and many resources.

For excellent booklets (most for free) written just for parents on special education, go to our links for Clearinghouses and resources for information and click on http://www.nichcy.org/ for the National Information Center on Children and Youth with Disabilities. Be sure to check out the state resources section; click on your state and you get a detailed listing of agencies and programs. Go to the disability fact sheets section, and click on Traumatic Brain Injury to find an excellent overview for parents and teachers.


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