Table 3.

Accommodations for Post-Concussion Neuropsychological (Cognitive and Emotional) Symptoms Affecting School

Post-Concussion Effect	Functional School Problem	Accommodation/Management Strategy
Attention/Concentration	Short focus on lecture, classwork, homework	Shorter assignments, break down tasks, lighter work load
“Working” Memory	Holding instructions in mind, reading comprehension, math calculation, writing	Repetition, written instructions, use of calculator, short reading passages
Memory Consolidation/Retrieval	Retaining new information, accessing learned info when needed	Smaller chunks to learn, recognition cues
Processing Speed	Keep pace with work demand, process verbal information effectively	Extended time, slow down verbalinfo, comprehension-checking
Cognitive Fatigue	Decreased arousal/activation to engage basic attention, working memory	Rest breaks during classes, homework, and exams
Anxiety	Interferes with concentration; Student may push through symptoms to prevent falling behind	Reassurance from teachers and team about accommodations; Workload reduction, alternate forms of testing
Depression/Withdrawal	Withdrawal from school or friends due to stigma or activity restrictions	Engage student with friends at lunch or recess, build in time for socialization
Irritability	Poor tolerance for stress, alienate peers or teachers	Reduce stimulation and stressors, provide rest break