Mild Acquired Brain Injury

Mild ABI is characterized by moderate changes in one, or all, of an individual’s level of cognitive (ex. Memory, organizational skills, attention, concentration communication), emotional, behavioral, or physiological (ex. Fatigue, motor control, pain) functioning.

A mild ABI can be the result of a number of causes. For example, a brain tumor, a stroke or aneurisms, seizure activity, infectious disease, a loss of oxygen to the brain, or substance abuse. However, the most common cause of ABI is a traumatic injury to the brain as a result of either a blow to the head or a violent whipping action of the neck. There is no such thing as a “typical” ABI; similar injuries may produce different effects in different people.

Accommodations and Supports

Some of the most commonly provided academic accommodations and supports to students with mild acquired brain injuries include

• Exam accommodations, such as use of memory aids like formula cards during tests, break periods as needed for rest and taking medications, separate room, extended time
• Modified exam scheduled to spread out the work-load (longer exams may even need to be broken down into sections that can be completed separately)
• Assistive Technology
• Atlantic Centre counsellors can assist with organizational and other necessary skills
• Recording of lectures
• Oral exams in place of, or as a supplement to, written exams
• Note takers

This page last modified Monday, 29-Aug-2011 15:22:17 ADT