Objective
As a result of active participation and successful engagement with this topic, students will be able to:
- Define ‘traumatic brain injury’ and the different categories of TBI.
- Discuss common etiologies, signs and symptoms of TBI in infants and young children.
- Identify evidence-based approaches to treatment and intervention for infants and young children with moderate to severe TBI.
- Identify the roles and services of direct support professionals, early intervention specialists, special education teachers, and other providers for infants and young children with TBI.
- Apply interdisciplinary principles and family centered practice to management of TBI in infants and young children.
Sample Syllabus
PD Guide
PowerPoint:
Introduction to Traumatic Brain Injury
This presentation examines the causes, characteristics, and developmental effects of brain injury in infants and young children, emphasizing early intervention and interdisciplinary care. It defines TBI as an acquired injury to the brain—typically from a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating trauma—and distinguishes between accidental, non-accidental, and non-traumatic causes. The presentation traces the evolution of federal legislation, including the TBI Act and its reauthorizations, and reviews diagnostic categories, symptoms, and their impact on motor, sensory, cognitive, behavioral, and communication domains. Learners explore real-world case studies and rehabilitation strategies grounded in neuroplasticity, illustrating how therapy and collaboration among medical, educational, and family teams support recovery and adaptation. Emphasis is placed on family empowerment, school reintegration, prevention, and respectful, equitable partnerships to improve long-term outcomes for children recovering from TBI.
Case Study
Case Study: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Mateo is a 3-year-old boy with a moderate traumatic brain injury, experiencing changes in attention, emotional regulation, motor coordination, expressive language, and feeding skills following a car accident. Follow Mateo and his family as they move through hospitalization, assessment, outpatient therapies, inclusive preschool supports, and early intervention services.
Learning Activities
Multimedia Illustrations
- Title with a description
- Link to video
- Suggested citation
- Length of the video
- EI/ECSE standard
- DEC Recommended Practice