The pre-school child sustains a traumatic brain injury: Developmental and learning issues 1

The incidence of acquired brain injury in infants and pre-school children is increasing, creating new challenges for assessment and intervention. This paper presents a context for assessment and interventions by describing the developmental effects of traumatic brain injury in young children, from birth to the age of 5 years. A review of the literature on the developmental and learning issues of the infants, toddlers and young children who sustain traumatic brain injury is presented. Information on resources including the federally-funded, state-administered Infant and Toddler and Pre-school Programs is included, along with suggestions for interventions.