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From
Date
20 December 2024
Link
inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/brain-injury/support-physical-recovery

Support physical recovery and provide opportunities for rest

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Support a return to learning and activity’

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Notice when support is needed

Notice when support is needed

Many symptoms of a brain injury can often be misinterpreted.

Instead, these symptoms are signals that a brain is still healing and needs a supportive environment to aid recovery.

 

  • feeling tired, just wanting to sleep
  • daydreaming, looking blank
  • doesn’t seem like her/himself
  • easily frustrated
  • shows no interest in playing
  • unusually emotional
  • sore head or other pains
  • yawning, dozing off
  • listless or pale.

Embed rehabilitation activities

Embed rehabilitation activities

When the rehabilitation team visit document activites and assiatnce with video and photos.

Share these across the team to help keep everyone on the same page.

11610 [Physio-https-pixabay.com-en-electrostimulation-sport-bless-you-1230004-electrostimulation-1230004-1920.jpg]

Source: Pixabay (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/en/electrostimulation-sport-bless-you-1230004/

View full image (411 KB) (opens in a new tab/window)

Monitor fatigue, offer quiet zones

Monitor fatigue, offer quiet zones

A child or young person may have difficulty self-monitoring their level of fatigue.

Encourage timely breaks in quiet spaces.

11601 [quiet-2982675-1920.jpg]

Source: Pixabay (opens in a new tab/window)

Source:
Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/en/quiet-zone-sign-stop-georgetown-2982675/

View full image (859 KB) (opens in a new tab/window)

Useful teaching approaches

Useful teaching approaches

Set up an appropriate learning environment and select teaching approaches that support the recovery of a child or young person with a concussion.

Seek feedback on what’s helpful.

Adjust as needed.

  • Provide the learner with access to a comfortable indoor or outdoor space to take a complete break or have a sleep.
  • Give the learner the choice to work where they are most comfortable.
  • Provide access to food and drink throughout the day.
  • Provide spaces to play or study free from additional stimulation (sound, movement, bright light, clutter or a number of objects on desk).
  • Provide opportunities to transition classes or activities early to avoid crowded spaces.
  • Timetable the most important learning tasks at the times when the learner has the most energy.
  • Include a mix of non-academic subjects and a focus on cognitive strengths.
  • Reduce or modify workload expectations.
  • Allow additional time to complete activities and assignments.
  • Excuse the learner from less important activities.
  • Give time to talk. Children and young people are often distressed and frustrated by their inability to perform.

Source: Adapted from Brain injury in children and youth: A manual for educators – Colorado Department of Education (opens in a new tab/window)

Reflection questions

Reflection questions

Adjust and adapt for your own context.

  • How will you monitor a child or young person’s level of fatigue?
  • How will you offer rest stops?
  • How will you ensure all staff are aware of a child or young person’s safety needs during break times and during play or sporting activities?
  • What processes will you use to ensure that communication with the child or young person's whānau is effective and timely?
  • Where might the design of the learning environment increase fatigue?

Useful resources

Useful resources

Fatigue management

Fatigue management

Read time: 2 min

This leaflet provides suggestions and techniques for managing fatigue.

Publisher: Brain Injury NZ

Download PDF

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Support a return to learning and activity”:

Return to the guide “Supporting learners with acquired brain injury”

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Acquired brain injury and learning

How to use this site

Guide to Index of the guide: Acquired brain injury and learning

Understand:

Strategies for action:

Key resources:

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