Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. Every year, an estimated 500,000 children sustain a head injury, with 16% of these children experiencing permanent deficits that results in significant impairment throughout their lifespan. Common types of difficulties, especially after a severe head injury, include problems in information processing, attention, executive functioning, memory and processing speed. Overall, deficits greatly vary depending on age at injury, and the nature, type, and severity of the injury sustained.
SERVICES OFFERED FOR TBI
Neuropsychological Evaluation – a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that includes diagnostic interviewing, psychological and neuropsychological tests that may include assessing the following areas: cognitive ability, adaptive skills, attention, language, executive functioning, memory, motor ability, visual-spatial and visual-motor ability, academic skills, and socio-emotional functioning.
Cogmed Working Memory Training - is a home-based computerized brain training program that is designed to help people sustainably improve their working memory capacity. Clinically-proven results demonstrate that after training, users increase their ability to concentrate, control impulsive behavior, and better utilize complex reasoning skills. In the end, better academic performance can be achieved especially in math and reading. Research has supported its use with children with deficits in working memory.
School Consultations – I can visit a child’s school as needed for several purposes, including classroom observation, IEP meetings, teacher training, or to design a behavioral program with the child’s teacher to help with academic productivity. I can provide advice on educational accommodations when these are appropriate under IDEA or Section 504
Resources
Brain Injury Association of America
Brain Injury Association of California
Brain Injury Online
Guidelines For School Reentry
Videos Videos Keep Moving Forward: Children with Brain Injuries from BIANY from BIANY
