Amy Jonelle Wilson MAT 605 Traumatic Brain Injury IDEA Definition: ‘An acquired injury to the brain caused by an external force, resulting in total or partial functional disability or psychosocial impairment, or both, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance. The term applies to open or closed head injuries resulting in impairments in one or more areas, such as cognition; language; memory; attention; reasoning; abstract thinking; judgment; problem-solving; sensory, perceptual, and motor abilities; psychosocial behavior; physical functions; information processing: and speech. The term does NOT apply to brain injuries that are congenital or degenerative, or to brain injuries induced by birth traumas. Common Characteristics: Cognitive Defects: Difficulties with attention, concentration, memory, confusion, etc, Speech and Language: Aphasia, slurred speech, speaking fast/slow, or problems reading/writing Vision: Partial or total loss of vision, double vision, blurred vision, problems judging distance, intolerance of light, etc. Hearing: Decrease or loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to sounds Senses: Loss or diminished sense of taste or smell Physical Changes: Pain, sleep disorders, appetite changes, regulation of body temperatures, etc. Social-Emotional: Irritability, aggression, depression, etc. Teaching Strategies: Attention/Concentration: Reduce distractions in the work area. Establish a nonverbal system (eye contact, touch) to remind the student to pay attention.Amy Jonelle Wilson MAT 605 Memory: Frequently repeat information and summarize it. Have the student carry an assignment sheet to each class, and check that it is filled out correctly. Teach the student to categorize or chunk information to aid retention. Organization: Additional time for review. Written checklist of steps for complex tasks. Written schedule of daily routines. Following Directions: Providing oral and written instructions. Have the student repeat back instructions to the teacher or a peer. Slowing down the pace of instruction. Resource: cbirt.org/resources/educators/ www biausa.org www.parentcenter} rg/repository/thi, www.traumaticbraininjury.com/symptoms-of-tbi/severe-tbi-symptoms/ www.tbinre.com