Date of Award

5-2002

Degree Type

Report

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

JoAnn Tschanz

Committee

JoAnn Tschanz

Committee

Gretchen Gimpel

Committee

Patricia Truhn

Abstract

A traumatic brain injury is an acquired injury to the brain caused by an external physical force, resulting in total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment that adversely affects a child's educational performance. It is considered the leading cause of mortality and disability among children with estimates of over one million occurrences each year. The 1990 revision of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act included Traumatic Brain Injury as a special education diagnostic category. Although this allowed students greater access to appropriate services, it pointed out the need for additional knowledge and training for educators working with this population. Therefore, a review of published studies on assessment and school-based interventions for students with TBI was conducted. Assessment included both formal, standardized measures and informal methods. Despite the apparent need, few empirical studies have examined rehabilitation for children and adolescents who have sustained a head injury. Treatment approaches were divided into three categories: cognitive remediation, social/behavioral interventions, and the impact of the family on child outcome. Evidence was found supporting all three areas, but more studies are needed to confirm the findings as well as study the duration of effects over time. Finally, recommendations for components of a school based intervention program are outlined.

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