Understanding Concussions in Young Athletes: The Role of SLPs in the Return to School

Concussions are a common injury in young athletes, often resulting from sports such as football, soccer, and basketball. While many concussions resolve within a few weeks, some can lead to prolonged symptoms that affect a student’s ability to return to school and engage in academic activities. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a critical role in supporting these students during their recovery. This blog post will explore the impact of concussions, the process of returning to school, and how SLPs can help.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This can disrupt normal brain function and lead to a range of symptoms, including:

• Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, and slower processing speed.

• Physical Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and noise.

• Emotional Symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, and anxiety.

• Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, sleeping more or less than usual.

These symptoms can vary in severity and duration, and they can significantly impact a young athlete’s daily life, including their ability to perform in school.

Returning to School After a Concussion

Returning to school after a concussion requires careful planning and a gradual approach to ensure that the student’s cognitive load is managed appropriately. Here’s a general outline of the return-to-school process:

1. Initial Rest:

   • Purpose: To allow the brain to heal by minimizing physical and cognitive exertion.

   • What to Expect: During the initial days following the concussion, complete rest is recommended. This means avoiding school, sports, screen time, and other activities that can strain the brain.

2. Gradual Return to School:

   • Stage 1: Return to Learning at Home

     • Activities: Light cognitive activities such as reading or listening to audiobooks for short periods.

     • Goal: To slowly reintroduce cognitive tasks without exacerbating symptoms.

   • Stage 2: Partial Return to School

     • Activities: Attending school for a few hours a day, focusing on essential classes and avoiding strenuous activities.

     • Goal: To increase the duration of school attendance as tolerated.

   • Stage 3: Full Return to School

     • Activities: Resuming a full school day with modifications as needed (e.g., extra breaks, reduced homework load).

     • Goal: To gradually return to a normal school routine while monitoring for symptoms.

3. Full Academic Load:

   • Activities: Resuming all classes and academic responsibilities with ongoing support and accommodations if needed.

   • Goal: To fully reintegrate into the school environment and manage any remaining symptoms.

The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)

SLPs are essential in supporting young athletes with concussions during their return to school. Their expertise in cognitive-communication disorders allows them to provide targeted interventions that address the specific challenges faced by these students.

Key Contributions of SLPs:

1. Cognitive-Communication Assessment:

   • Purpose: To evaluate the student’s cognitive-communication skills and identify areas of difficulty.

   • What to Expect: The SLP will assess memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functions (e.g., planning, organizing, problem-solving). This helps to create a personalized intervention plan.

2. Individualized Therapy:

   • Purpose: To address the specific cognitive-communication challenges identified during the assessment.

   • What to Expect: Therapy may include exercises to improve attention and concentration, memory strategies, and techniques to enhance processing speed and organizational skills. The SLP will work with the student to develop compensatory strategies to manage their symptoms.

3. School Accommodations and Support:

   • Purpose: To ensure that the student receives the necessary accommodations to succeed academically.

   • What to Expect: The SLP will collaborate with teachers, school counselors, and other relevant staff to implement accommodations such as extended time for assignments and tests, breaks during classes, and a reduced homework load.

4. Education and Advocacy:

   • Purpose: To educate the student, family, and school staff about the impact of concussions and the importance of gradual reintegration.

   • What to Expect: The SLP will provide information on managing symptoms, pacing activities, and recognizing signs of overexertion. They will also advocate for the student’s needs within the school setting.

5. Monitoring and Adjustments:

   • Purpose: To continuously monitor the student’s progress and make necessary adjustments to the intervention plan.

   • What to Expect: Regular check-ins with the student and school staff to assess the effectiveness of strategies and accommodations, making changes as needed to support the student’s recovery and academic success.

Conclusion

Concussions can have a significant impact on young athletes, affecting their cognitive and academic performance. A gradual, well-supported return to school is crucial for their recovery. Speech-language pathologists play a vital role in this process, providing specialized interventions and advocating for the necessary accommodations to ensure a successful transition back to school.

If your child has experienced a concussion, consider consulting with an SLP to develop a comprehensive plan that supports their cognitive and academic needs. With the right support and strategies, students can navigate the challenges of concussion recovery and continue to thrive in their educational journey.