CHILDREN AND CONCUSSIONS
What role do I play in helping a student return to school after a concussion?
Many K-12 students sustain concussions yearly from various accidents. While most recover quickly, some may continue experiencing symptoms that impact learning and academic performance. School professionals play a key role in managing the return-to-school process, which required understanding the effects of concussions and coordinating support. A collaborative approach-including school staff, students family and healthcare professionals is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and successful reintegration into school.
How can a concussion affect learning?
The impact of a concussion on a students return-to-school experience varies by individual. While many students may not face limitations, others can have difficulties with participation, learning and school performance. Academic tasks requiring focus can trigger or worsen symptoms. making it important for adjustments to be tailored to each students needs.
When is a student ready to return to school after a concussion?
A student can return to school after a concussion only when cleared by a healthcare professional experienced in concussion evaluation. The decision is based on the type, number and severity of symptom. The healthcare professionals will advice on safe timing and appropriate cognitive and physical activity levels.
CONCUSSION TIPS FOR RECOVERY AT HOME
Who should be included as part of the team supporting the student?
A collaborative team supports a students returning to school after concussion.
It includes
The student - sharing their symptoms and progress
Parents/guardians - understanding the condition and following medical guidance
Other caregivers (coaches, after-school providers) - They monitor participation and observe changes in behaviour.
Physician/other healthcare professionals - Health care professionals involved
in the student’s diagnosis and recovery should provide an individualized plan
for a student returning to school to help manage cognitive and physical exertion
following a concussion.
Other member of the team can include speech and language therapists, school nurses and school admin.
How can understanding concussion symptoms help with identifying a students individual needs.
Understanding concussion symptoms helps school staff identify a students unique needs, monitor changes and take necessary actions with permission The following image provides some insight on what symptoms of a concussion look like.
This can help support full recovery and prevents students from downplaying symptoms due to embarrassment or pressure.
What roles do cognitive exertion and rest play in a student’s recovery?
Rest is essential after a concussion to allow the brain to heal. Excessive cognition exertion, like studying intensely, can worsen symptoms and delay recovery. School should limit mental activity to tolerate levels and include cognitive rest breaks to prevent symptom reemergence and support a students gradual return to learning.
It is vital to rest in the correct way - the image below shows how implement recovery correctly when a student has a concussion.
How can I help identify problems and needs?
Identifying problems and needs involves recognizing a student’s symptoms and factors that worsen them, such as specific tasks, times of day, or environmental triggers. Tailored interventions can then be applied. Recovery may take longer for students with prior concussions, medical conditions, or developmental disorders, and can be impacted by anxiety or depression
When symptoms persist: What types of formal support services are available?
For most students, only temporary, informal, academic adjustments are needed as they recover from a concussion, However, a variety of formal support services may be available to assist a student who is experiencing a prolonged recovery. Some of these support services include...
Response to intervention protocol (RTI) - Multi-step approach to track progress and adjust instruction/support as needed
504 PLAN - Modification/adaptations to help return to pre-injury performances (e.g environmental changes, curriculum)
INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN - For students with disabilities significantly impacting learning, this provides support and accommodations.
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