Traumatic Brain 

Injury in Children 

Parents and families 

play a crucial role in 

helping children 

return to school 

and activities after 

a Traumatic Brain 

Injury (TBI). 

Most of the recovery process happens 

after your child leaves the medical 

setting. The more you know about TBI, 

the more you can help make sure your 

child is feeling well, and is successful 

at school. 

A Traumatic Brain Injury disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. 

A bump, a blow, or a jolt to the head can cause a TBI. With the brain 

still developing, a child is at greater risk for long-term effects after a 

TBI. These injuries range from mild to severe. Mild TBI, referred to as 

mTBI or concussion, is most common. 

CDC’s Report to Congress outlines current gaps in TBI care, 

and provides clear opportunities for action to improve the 

management and outcomes of TBI in children. 

COORDINATION IS KEY 

Children recovering from a TBI need ongoing monitoring with coordinated care 

and support for best outcomes. Parents and families are often the ones taking 

care of children as they grow and develop. 

Most children are resilient and 

recover well, but some effects 

can show up later in life. 

TBI Effects can Last 

a Lifetime 

FAMILIES 

HELP YOUR CHILD BE SUCCESSFUL 

AT SCHOOL AFTER A TBI 

It is important to 

RECOGNIZE 

MONITOR 

& CARE 

for your child as 

he or she grows up. 

WHAT IS A TBI?
 

COMMUNICATE 

•	 Talk with your child’s healthcare provider regularly, and attend all follow-up appointments. 

•	 Notify your child’s school about the TBI, and share updates from their healthcare provider. 

•	 Communicate with the school about the need to monitor your child, and inform you about 

changes in your child’s behavior or school work. 

MONITOR 

•	 Observe your child’s symptoms and school work. Report concerns to your child’s 

healthcare provider and school staff. 

•	 Keep records about your child’s head injuries, recovery, and recommendations from your 

doctor about services for your child, such as speech therapy. 

•	 Watch for signs of changes in your child’s behavior or school performance, as these may 

not show up right after a TBI. 

•	 Keep track of the number of brain injuries your child has experienced, and consider this 

when making decisions about participation in activities like contact sports. 
U.S. Department of 

Health and Hum11n Services 

Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention 

Help Your Child Return to School 

Most students who return to school after a TBI benefit from a short-term plan that includes 

individualized accommodations, such as: 

Physical Extra time Reduced More Individualized 

rest on tests homework load frequent breaks help at school 

Students who have learning or behavioral challenges after a TBI may be eligible for special education services, 

including individualized instruction, speech-language therapy, physical therapy, or educational support. 

Regardless of the available services, maintaining frequent communication with your child’s teachers can be one 

of the most important actions you can take in your child’s recovery process. 

FIND SUPPORT FOR YOUR FAMILY
 

Understanding the effects of a TBI on your child, and finding the right services to meet their needs can be a gradual process. 

It also may be important to find care for yourself through support groups or other services available in your community. 

CONNECT LEARN 

Support groups provide encouragement and valuable help Educational resources can help inform your child’s recovery. 

for parents and caregivers. • www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury

• Parent Training Information Centers (PACER Family-to-Family Health

Information Centers: www.pacer.org/about/PACERfacts.asp)

• www.cdc.gov/headsup/parents

• www.brainline.org

• Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA): www.biausa.org

• United States Brain Injury Alliance (USBIA): www.usbia.org

• National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA):

www.nashia.org

ENGAGE 

Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) can help families and children cope 

with a TBI. In PST, families receive training in: 

• Staying positive • Family communication skills

• Step-by-step problem-solving • Education about the effects

of a TBI 

LEARN MORE 

TBI: www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury 

HEADS UP: www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP