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Differences for Children with TBI vs. Learning Disabilities

It is important to keep in mind that TBI affects each child differently.

Areas of Difference

Onset

TBI	Sudden
Learning Disability	Early or from birth
Emotional Deficits	Slow, reactive to environment

Cause

TBI	One or more blows to the head accompanied by altered mental status may or may have not loss of consciousness. Interference of oxygen or blood reaching the brain.
Learning Disability	Unclear
Emotional Deficits	Unclear

Functional Changes

TBI	Marked contrast between capacities pre- and post of a TBI can include memory loss, reduced processing speed and impaired executive functions.
Learning Disability	No before-after contracts in capacities.
Emotional Deficits	Change in functioning emerge slowly and gradually.

Physical Disabilities

TBI	May include loss of balance, weakness, paralysis, visual/sensory changes and headaches.
Learning Disability	Poor conditions is the most frequent impairment.
Emotional Deficits	Physical disabilities unlikely.

Emotional Difficulties

TBI	May have labile mood, depression and anxiety frequently found.
Learning Disability	Prone to outbursts related to situations.
Emotional Deficits	Reactions attributable to distortions of reality.

Behavioral Difficulties

TBI	Unpredictable: Possible agitation, aggressiveness, restlessness and impulsivity.
Learning Disability	Restlessness and impulsivity.
Emotional Deficits	Reactions attributable to distortions of reality.

Awareness of Deficits

TBI	Limited to full awareness
Learning Disability	Typically aware
Emotional Deficits	Varies

Skills and Knowledge

TBI	Pre-TBI learning is largely intact.
Learning Disability	Splintered and underdeveloped.
Emotional Deficits	Acquisition may be limited by emotional difficulties.

Difficulties with Learning

TBI	Old information is easier to recall than new.
Learning Disability	New learning can be linked with past learning.
Emotional Deficits	New learning can be linked with past learning.

Academic Deficit

TBI	Based on disrupted cognition.
Learning Disability	Based on type of learning disability.
Emotional Deficits	NOT based on impaired cognition.

Peer Interactions

TBI	Affected by cognitive deficits, behavioral difficulties and reduced social skills.
Learning Disability	Affected by poor social skills.
Emotional Deficits	Affected by behavioral difficulties.