Changes to cognition and thinking processes
Understand the impacts on learning and wellbeing.
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Challenges and frustrations
Challenges and frustrations
Young people with brain injuries explain their difficulties and frustrations.
- I study for twice as long as I used to, but I’m doing much worse.
- I can’t remember anything I read no matter how many times I re-read the same thing.
- I study hard and feel like I know the material. Then I go into the test and can’t come up with the answers.
- Essay exams are murder. I need 20 minutes to think of what I want to say and then the time has run out.
- I get so tired I can barely get through the school day. At night, I’m just too tired to do my homework.
- I’m so distracted. I can pay attention for five minutes and then my mind wanders.
- I go to every class, but nothing sinks in.
Source: Accommodations guide for students with brain injury (opens in a new tab/window)
Multiple effects on learning
Multiple effects on learning
Research shows that brain injury often harms basic cognitive abilities such as memory, learning, attention and concentration, word finding, and visual perception.
Injury can also harm important academic abilities such as reading, arithmetic reasoning, vocabulary, writing, and spelling.
Needing more time
Needing more time
When a brain is injured it processes information more slowly.
This can affect participation in group work or following instructions.
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Effects may present later
Effects may present later
While most people are symptom-free within two weeks, some can experience problems for months or even years after a minor head injury.
Headway - the brain injury association
Summary
Summary
Brain injury may affect a child or young person’s ability to learn.
Areas affected can include:
- memory
- attention and concentration
- speed of thinking
- problem solving
- comprehension
- organisation and planning skills
- visual and/or auditory processing skills.
Source: Cognition: Attention, concentration & memory (opens in a new tab/window)
Useful resources
Useful resources
Cognition: Attention, concentration & memory
Read time: 4 min
This leaflet explains how damage to the brain can affect attention, concentration, and memory.
Publisher: Brain Injury NZ
Download PDF
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Understand impacts on learning and wellbeing”:
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Current page Changes to cognition and thinking processes
Return to the guide “Supporting learners with acquired brain injury”
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Acquired brain injury and learning
Understand:
- Understand the basics about ABI
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Understand impacts on learning and wellbeingShow suggestions for Understand impacts on learning and wellbeing
- Effects of ABI on stages of development
- Emotions, social skills, behaviour, and wairua
- Changes to cognition and thinking processes
- Changes to physical wellbeing
Strategies for action:
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Review leadership and governance responsibilitiesShow suggestions for Review leadership and governance responsibilities
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Concussion: Support a return to learning and activityShow suggestions for Concussion: Support a return to learning and activity
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Support a return to learning and activityShow suggestions for Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Support a return to learning and activity
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Non-traumatic brain injury: Support a return to learning and activityShow suggestions for Non-traumatic brain injury: Support a return to learning and activity
