ACADEMIC CONCERNS,REQUESTED AND RECEIVED SUPPORT AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN THE FOUR WEEKS FOLLOWING CONCUSSION: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background:

Even short-term cognitive challenges place adolescents at risk for successful achievement of academic success and attainment of career goals. Studies that have examined subjects receiving follow-up at a concussion or other specialty clinic have noted cognitive issues that cause learning problems upon return to the classroom. However, a gap exists specific to the types of academic concerns and needs for academic support using a prospective longitudinal design in a general sample.

Purpose:

The purpose of this pilot study was to describe the scope of academic concerns, requested and received academic support over time among adolescents in the four weeks following a concussion injury. Methods: Prospective longitudinal pilot study. Adolescents, aged 13-18 years, and their parent/legal guardian were enrolled within 7 days of concussion injury using a community-based design. Academic effects, requested and received support were assessed by electronic completion of the Concussion Learning Assessment and School Survey (CLASS) of both adolescent and their parent/legal guardian at 4 time points across 28 days, each one week apart.

Results:

Overall, 37 adolescents (51.4% female, mean age: 16.4±1.4 years) and their parent/legal guardian, provided sufficient data for analysis. A decrease in the frequency of academic concerns over time was noted across the 4 weeks following injury with 37.8% (n=14) reporting challenges in one or more of their classes in the first week after their concussion, compared to 10.8% (n=4) at 28 days. A decrease in requested supports was also noted, with 48.6% (n=18) requesting some form of academic support in the first week compared to 13.5% (n=5) at 28 days. Most commonly requested supports across all time points included extra time to complete work, reduced homework, reduced or waived makeup work, and a shortened school day. Received academic support was also greatest in the first week following concussion (40.5%, n=15) and declined to 16.2% (n=6) at 28 days. Grades were reported as worse since their concussion across all time points with 18.9% reporting this concern at 14 and 21 days.

Conclusion:

High rates of academic concerns and requested supports were reported in the first week following concussion. In addition, a consistent proportion of students reported a worsening of grades and continued to report academic concerns and needs for academic support four weeks after they sustained a concussion. These pilot findings support the need for greater attention to the academic effects of concussion and related support needs in the classroom for all students.

Table 1.

Student and parent responses regarding class/subject-based academic concerns and potential impact on grades during concussion recovery

Table 2.

Student and parent responses regarding academic supports that were needed during concussion recovery