Assessing readiness for post-secondary education after traumatic brain injury using a simulated college experience

Approximately 1.4 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year with approximately two-thirds of these injuries affecting people between the ages of 15 and 24 years. Consequently, many adults with brain injury sustain their injuries during a time when they are making important decisions regarding future vocational activities, including return to school. Cognitive impairments resulting from TBI present as a significant barrier to return to school and it is difficult to predict those persons who will succeed in school after a TBI and those who will not. This article presents a college simulation experience currently used in a rehabilitation setting. It involves lectures and examinations that test an individual's ability to learn new material. Lecture content focuses on the nature and effects of brain injury and on study skills. In addition, compensatory strategies commonly used in university settings (note takers, extended time for exams, taped lectures) may be used to assess potential benefit of these services. The simulated college experience provides a realistic appraisal of the individual's ability to learn information in a lecture-oriented class setting. It also provides information regarding the benefits of specific study skills and compensatory strategies. Case studies of three individuals with severe TBI are presented.