Taking Care of Preschool Children Who Experience Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Background Children ages 5 years and younger have the highest incidence of emergency department visits for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and are most at risk for the effects of a TBI. Because they are not yet enrolled in formal school, there is not a direct pathway from health care to school that can offer a pathway for monitoring and care. The purpose of this article is to describe existing literature on preschool children with TBI and illustrate a model of care in the community for this population. Method Literature review and model program description were performed in this study. Findings Preschool children are typically seen annually for well visits by their pediatricians who can inquire about a TBI history and make appropriate referrals. Children in this age group are likely to be enrolled in day care and preschool settings where screenings and evaluations are conducted for parent and teacher concerns. A current model operating in Pennsylvania and Colorado is promising for identifying and serving children. Additional resources in existing systems can also help children obtain school supports. Discussion Children who experience a TBI prior to formal school entry are most likely to be in existing systems of health care and preschool/day care that can ask about a child's TBI history and screen for the impact of the TBI. Speech-language pathologists, who serve many existing systems where preschool children attend school and day care, can play a critical role in assessment and needs identification for preschool children.