Ignoring the Need for a TBI Evaluation

The need for specialized instruction should not be neglected because the student is at home recovering, has complex medical needs, or is in a phase of early rapid recovery (leading the team to mistakenly believe that the student will completely recover). If the student’s difficulties are expected to last more than 2 months (60 calendar days), an evaluation should be conducted and supports offered in the form of a 504 Plan or IEP depending on the student’s needs.

During the first year after the student’s injury, recovery may be quite rapid, thus making it difficult to predict future abilities. The family and team are likely to hope that the student will make a full recovery. However, early rapid recovery is not an indication that long-term recovery will continue rapidly or be complete.

Ignoring the need for evaluation can lead to unmet student needs, which results in a decline in academic and or social abilities. Over time, student difficulties that actually result from the TBI may be attributed to other causes and therefore be ineffectively addressed in programs or institutions with little understanding of the potential effects of a brain injury. To determine the effects of a TBI, a student must be evaluated, with pre-injury abilities compared to post-injury needs. Interventions should be designed and implemented as needed.