Interview Questions
Uncovering a Traumatic Brain Injury
When working with an individual with a TBI, it’s important to learn what they know about their performance, learning style, stamina and goals. Teachers may need to ask leading questions to help the person understand what you are asking and to get a full answer.
Questions to ask might include:
- Tell me how you feel you learn new information. (May need to be more specific: reading, listening, visuals, etc.)
- What seems to be the most challenging for you to learn? (math, language, writing skills, etc.)
- What kinds of things help you to remember? (notes, repetition, notebook, calendar, checklists)
- Do you lose track of time or have a hard time getting started on tasks?
- What kinds of things can be distracting for you? (noises, conversation, activity)
- If you get stuck on a task, what do you do?
- When do you feel at your best? (discern best class schedule to avoid cognitive fatigue)
- Are there any triggers that you can think of that upset you? (timed pressures, noisy environments)
- Did you have any trouble finding the classroom?
- How much time can you study at home? (Set up expectation that they may need to do work outside of class to keep up)
- Who can support you outside of class with assignments?
HELPS is a brief screening tool for brain injury. This tool is designed to be used by professionals whose field of practice is not brain injury. This screening tool is available in PDF format at: www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/lib/health/schoolhealth/HELPSScreeningTool.pdf
If you feel a student needs to have further evaluation and testing done to determine the extent of brain injury or you would like more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota.
On the internet: www.braininjurymn.org
or by phone at: 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442.