Neurological Impairment By Emily

Definition - Limitation or impairment in the capacity of the nervous system, with difficulties exhibited in one or more of the following areas:

• the use of memory
• the control and use of cognitive functioning
• sensory and motor skills
• skills in speech and language
• organizational skills of processing information
• social skills or basic life function

Limitations and impairments in the capacity of the nervous system could cause the student mental and physical distress.

Characteristics - There are 3 basic characteristics of neurological impairment.

• Difference in Brain Structure which causes reading problems, attention deficit and auditory processing difficulties.
• Neurologically based problems that can affect learning in various ways like minimal brain dysfunction, Strauss syndrome, and brain injuries.
• Physical disabilities (also known as neuromotor impairments) like cerebral palsy (CP), neural tube defects, seizure disorders, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Difference From Other - Students with neurological impairments have troubles with cognitive functioning (ability to control memory), language, speech skills, communication skills, social skills, organizational skills, and can not complete everyday activities or functions due to physical or learning disabilities. Neurological impairments involves the brain and nervous system which causes the problems with brain functions and physical movements. Students with neurological impairments need constant help to do even the simplest tasks like getting dresses or brushing their teeth, but also need space and encouragement to develop skills of their own.

Assistive Technologies & Education Plans - Neurological impairments lead to deficits in the child's social, communication speech, language and physical development so assistive technologies help greatly. Communication boards are a great way for students with language, speech, and communication problems to express themselves and their needs. For memory challenges, visual displays with grouped information to express the information are a whole instead of individual facts. Also breaking down processes and creating scaffolding and Tier to show the steps of a problem allows for a better understanding of the presented information. Also computer games, and electronic aids to operate a TV or DVD are useful tools because it allows the student to control an aspect of their life without necessarily physically moving more then a finger. Sometimes assistive technologies that do more with less action are the best tools when working with neurological impairments.

Electronic Communication Board (Manual Use)










(Electronic Aid for Movie - uses a touch screen for easier access and allows student who don't necessarily have enough strength to push a button to feel independent in control what they see.)





Community Programs - Every community has local resources that are there to assist families who need it. The communities have interventions and counseling for families who need it. After-school programs are available for parents who work late so their student can keep learning even when they are not at school or home. Also Respite cares are everywhere to get students out of their everyday environment and into a new one where they are safe and their parents get a break. Another location of help would be an Independent Living Location. This is where student and young adults can live on their own in a facility where someone is around to help at all time. These locations and services can be found in your local phone book or with a simple Internet search.


Kirk S. , Gallagher J.J. , Coleman M.R. , & Anastasiow N. (2009). Educating Exceptional Children (12th ed.). Boston, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.