Pediatric Brain Injury Training and Education: Little Brains, Big Problems

Harrisonburg, VA – September 8, 2017: Brain injury is the most frequent cause of disability and death among children in the U.S. When a child’s head has been hurt, it is very important to know that he/she should not be treated as a “little adult.” The child’s brain is still maturing and developing and that makes his/her injury very different. It was once believed that younger, developing brains rebounded more effectively, but based on current studies, that may not be the case.

Crossroads to Brain Injury Recovery, Inc. and the Virginia Department of Education Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) Region 5 at James Madison University (JMU) are pleased to present a full day seminar for teachers and school administrators on September 15, National Concussion Awareness Day, entitled, “Pediatric Brain Injury Training and Education: Little Brains, Big Problems.” The seminar will be held on the campus of JMU.

While a child may seem to heal physically from their injury shortly after it happens, the true effects on the brain may not be seen until years later. Deficits may show up in the classroom as issues with memory, decreased attention and concentration, behavior issues, difficulty taking turns, decreased frustration tolerance, seizures, headaches, and decreased endurance.

When a child sustains a brain injury and returns to school, he/she often confronts new challenges. A well-prepared school system helps children succeed by making their experience easier. Crossroads to Brain Injury Recovery, Inc. and T/TAC are enthusiastic about the response from the school divisions in the area to this groundbreaking partnership and seminar.

“Across so many segments of society, the compelling insights flowing from the science of the brain and nervous system are changing the way we understand difficult situations,” stated Dr. Rhonda M. Zingraff, JMU’s Associate Dean for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, and the Director of the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services. She added, “From playgrounds to classrooms to clinics to courtrooms, the assumptions about behavior are lagging behind the neuroscience and our children need for us to close those gaps. This seminar is a wonderful opportunity for teachers and school administrators in our region to do this for the kids!”

Materials and training to school educators and administrators will be designed to assist children and in turn other students in the classroom. The seminar will address topics including: (1) Anatomy of the Brain/Brain Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), (2) Neurocognitive and Psychosocial Issues, and (3) Positive Behavioral Support and Interventions. An inspirational talk provided by a former teacher who sustained a brain injury will be part of the event.

Virginia Department of Education’s state-wide T/TACs provide professional development and support designed to assist schools in addressing accountability and improvement goals for students with disabilities. For more information regarding their programs and services please call 540-568-6746 or visit their Web site at: http://www.ttacjmu.org/.

Crossroads to Brain Injury Recovery is a not-for-profit organization that serves five counties in Virginia improving the quality of life for those affected by brain injury by helping individuals lead more independent and productive lives. Services include case management, community support services, behavior supports, information and referral, and professional and case consultation. For more information about Crossroads, please call 540-568-8923 or visit our Web site at www.c2bir.org.