Understand the injury and the support needed
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Concussion: Support a return to learning and activity’
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Refresh knowledge of concussion
Refresh knowledge of concussion
Remind yourself of the implications of a concussion, so you can provide informed support.
Closed Captions
What to ask whānau
What to ask whānau
Meet with the family or whānau and the child or young person.
Learn about the concussion and the support needed.
When did the injury take place?
What part of the head received the injury?
Have you been to the doctor or hospital? If yes, what happened and what were the recommendations?
What have you noticed about:
- energy levels
- sleeping patterns
- headaches
- mood and emotional state
- appetite
- vision
- sensitivity to light, sound, busy environments?
Source: Brain 101 The concussion playbook (opens in a new tab/window)
Give assurance
Give assurance
Let both the child or young person and their family know that you understand the potential effects of concussion and that you will create a safe and supportive learning environment.
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Source: Ministry of Education
Reflection questions
Reflection questions
- How will you be informed, so you know what to ask and look out for?
- How will you demonstrate empathy? A child or young person may look fine, but a concussion is an unseen, hidden injury.
- How will you be a good listener? Every concussion and every child's experience is unique.
- How can you enable whānau to guide and oversee support?
Useful resources
Useful resources
Concussion – A series of educational videos
A collection of educational videos produced in New Zealand and a series of informative and practical fact sheets about brain injuries.
Publisher: Headway: Brain Injury Auckland
Brain injury: A guide for parents
Read time: 17 min
This factsheet provides information about how brain injuries can affect children and young people and suggests coping strategies for families.
Publisher: Headway: Brain Injury Auckland
Download PDF (477 KB)
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Concussion: Support a return to learning and activity”:
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Current page Understand the injury and the needed support
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:
- Understand the basics about ABI
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Understand impacts on learning and wellbeingShow suggestions for Understand impacts on learning and 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
- Understand the injury and the needed support
- Develop a plan of support
- Monitor physical activity
- Provide social and emotional support
- Support attention, communication, and organisation
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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
