Parent perceptions of school-based support for students with traumatic brain injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether parents believe schools provided necessary support to their children who sustained traumatic brain injuries.


METHODS
Interview, to determine parent perceptions.


METHODS
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.


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.
Gfroerer
Susan Davies
SD
The University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469-0530, USA. gfroersd@notes.udayton.edu
Wade
Shari L
SL
Wu
Michelle
M
D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012572:School Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D013334:Students; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices