Evidence-Based Clinical Considerations in Pediatric TBI: Treatment
Presented by Angela Ciccia
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Treatment of cognitive-communication disorders following pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) requires a nuanced understanding of how injury severity, developmental stage, and care setting intersect. This course outlines evidence-based treatment approaches for attention, memory, executive function, and social communication impairments in children and adolescents with TBI. Emphasizing individualized, functional, and family-centered care, the course explores how interventions can be tailored across hospital, rehabilitation, and school environments. Speech-language pathologists and other rehabilitation professionals will gain practical strategies for addressing persistent postconcussion symptoms, supporting school reintegration, and promoting long-term recovery across developmental stages.
Learning Objectives
- Examine current trends in the treatment of cognitive-communication disorders in pediatric TBI
- Choose evidence-based treatment approaches for common cognitive-communication impairments (e.g., attention, memory, executive function, and social communication) in children and adolescents with TBI
- Select and apply intervention strategies that are developmentally appropriate and responsive to the unique needs of pediatric TBI across recovery stages
- Modify treatment focus based on service provision setting (e.g., medical, educational) for youth with pediatric TBI
Meet your instructor
Angela Ciccia
Angela Hein Ciccia is a professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Ciccia’s research focuses on factors that impact children’s ability to recover/develop in the presence of a diagnosis of an acquired (new-onset) and/or developmental neurogenic communication disorder. Dr.…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Introduction
This chapter introduces the foundational principles of treating cognitive-communication challenges in children with TBI. It highlights the importance of early, multidisciplinary, and family- and school-centered intervention, even for mild injuries with lingering symptoms. Clinicians are also introduced to evolving trends in care, including the use of teletherapy and increased guideline-driven treatment options.
2. Current Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies
This chapter presents established treatment methods for attention, memory, executive function, and social communication, emphasizing functional and developmentally appropriate strategies. The role of metacognitive training, environmental supports, and generalization to real-life tasks is explored. Clinicians will also learn how to integrate restorative and compensatory approaches based on individual needs.
3. Modifications of Treatment Approaches
In this chapter, treatment adaptations are examined based on injury severity, care setting (hospital, rehabilitation, school), and developmental considerations. Specific strategies are provided for managing mild, moderate, and severe TBI across the recovery timeline. The importance of aligning intervention methods with the child’s cognitive readiness and environmental context is emphasized to optimize recovery and participation.
