School Reentry Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Successful school reentry following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is critical to recovery. Physical, cognitive, behavioral, academic, and social problems can affect a child's school performance after a TBI. However, early intervention has the potential to improve child academic outcomes and promote effective coping with any persistent changes in functioning. The purpose of this article is to review the topic of school reentry after a childhood TBI. The authors describe 4 essential principles to planning a positive reentry to school: assessment, multidisciplinary teaming, facilitation of peer interactions, and planning for the provision and withdrawal of support. The authors delineate a sequence of steps for promoting school reentry and review existing school reentry programs. The authors also discuss barriers to the school reentry process and possible solutions. The article concludes with a case study that highlights some of the challenges of school reentry and the benefits of using interactive videoconferencing to link rehabilitation and community-based treatment teams during the reentry process.