MODULE DESCRIPTION:

Behavior problems are common in children and adolescents who have sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI).  These difficulties can affect cognitive, social, and emotional recovery and ultimately compromise academic performance in the classroom.  Behavioral problems secondary to brain injury can produce a wide range of short-term and long-term effects on the student’s functioning.  This module will examine the common behavioral problems associated with TBI and the impact these difficulties can have on performance in the classroom.   The relationship between the brain injury and behavior will be discussed to enhance the readers’ knowledge of the impact brain injury has on behavior.  Intervention strategies that address specific problematic behaviors to be implemented by educators and parents will be presented.  Case studies will be used as a means to develop effective behavioral plans in order to manage inappropriate behaviors frequently displayed by students with TBI. 

INSTRUCTIONAL OUTCOMES:

After completing the module, the user will be able to:

1. Understand the relationship between brain injury and behavior;
2. Identify behavior problems commonly associated with TBI;
3. State how behavioral difficulties interact with the developmental stages and needs of the student with TBI;
4. Understand the aspects essential to the development of a behavior management program for the student with TBI;
5. Complete a functional behavior assessment and subsequent behavior support plan for a student with TBI; and
6. State effective intervention strategies to manage specific behavior problems exhibited by students with TBI.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROFICIENCIES:

IPSB Standard #7: The educator of students with exceptional needs understands the importance of teaching appropriate behaviors and social skills and effectively applies and models these strategies in interactions with students, families and colleagues.   

Performance #1: Designs and implements positive behavior intervention strategies and plans that are appropriate to the needs of the individual learner. 
Performance #2:  Advocates for and models the use of appropriate social skills when interacting with others.   
Performance #3:  Communicates the benefits of and demonstrates methods for conflict resolution, crisis prevention/intervention strategies, and behavior intervention strategies. 
Performance #4: Keep abreast of changing tenets and strategies for fostering appropriate social skills. 
Performance #5:  Creates and advocates a safe, nurturing educational climate which fosters self-expression and positive social development. 
Performance #7:  Knows how various medications, therapies, and other interventions may affect the learner’s performance.
Performance #8:  Integrates social skills into the curriculum by utilizing effective teaching strategies. 
Performance #9:  Prepares the learner to exhibit self-enhancing behavior in response to societal attitudes and actions. 
Performance #10:  Implements the least intrusive intervention consistent with the needs of the learner.

INSTRUCTIONAL EVENTS:

Read the narrative text of this module.  Specific web sites and text references are provided to assist you in completing the instructional events based on the two case studies.   The educator will complete the following activities and submit to their instructor for grading:

Case Study #1 - Brian
Case Study #2 - Stephanie

A bibliography and related readings can be found here.

INSTRUCTIONAL EVALUATION:

Instructional evaluation is provided at the end of each case study.