Parent perceptions of school-based support for students with traumatic brain injuries
Authors: Gfroerer, Susan Davies1; Wade, Shari2; Wu, Michelle3
Source: Brain Injury, Volume 22, Number 9, August 2008 , pp. 649-656(8)
Publisher: Informa Healthcare
Abstract:
Primary objective: To determine whether parents believe schools provided necessary support to their children who sustained traumatic brain injuries. Research design: Interview, to determine parent perceptions. Methods and procedure: Sixty-six primary caregivers of school-age children who experienced a TBI within the previous 2 years were interviewed regarding what types of special support were needed by and provided for their children during the 3 months immediately following school re-entry. They then rated how difficult it was to obtain support or services from the school and how satisfied they were with the support or services. Main outcomes and results: The majority of participants did not perceive the need for school-based services, even when the injury was severe. Almost all students whose parents perceived a need for an adjusted schedule were granted that accommodation, but few students received school-based counselling or behavioural support. Conclusions: Results indicated that participants perceived relatively few school-based supports, particularly given the actual academic, behavioural and social challenges experienced by children who have sustained a TBI. Schools and hospitals must take steps to ensure appropriate post-head injury support services.Keywords: Traumatic brain injury; parent perception; return to school; school services; school support
Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1080/02699050802227162
Affiliations: 1: The University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA 2: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA,University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA 3: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA

Click here for Page Help