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: 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.

Sample Learning Activities: Traumatic Brain Injury

Video Library The video library is a compilation of almost 500 videos that may be used in early childhood intervention pre-service courses or in-service training. Each video contains the following relevant information:

• Title with a description
• Link to video
• Suggested citation
• Length of the video
• EI/ECSE standard
• DEC Recommended Practice

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