Neurological Impairment

The capacity of the nervous system is limited or impaired 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, speech, language, organizational skills, information processing, affect, social skills, or basic life functions. The term induces students who have received a traumatic brain injury.

Keywords from the state and federal definitions: capacity of the nervous system is limited or impaired includes traumatic brain injury.

Note: Massachusetts' definition of neurological impairment is more inclusive than the federal definition which is limited to students with traumatic brain injury.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO DISABILITY IN DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY

• Intellectual Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, or Emotional Impairment may have similar presentations

Potential for intermittent, inconsistent, or delayed effects of neurological impairment confusing the connection to educational progress

High incidence of co-occurrence of behavioral issues, substance abuse issues, or issues of socially inappropriate behavior

Highly correlated with effects of neurotoxins (lead poisoning, substance abuse, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)

Highly correlated with effects of stroke, brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, anoxia, spinal cord injury, infectious disorders (e.g., encephalitis), metabolic disorders, chemotherapy, radiation, degenerative diseases, and various syndromes

POSSIBLE ASSESSMENTS & ASSESSMENT FACTORS

Assessment by qualified Neuropsychologist or Neurologist that does not repeat previously administered testing

Developmental and educational history

Medical history and current assessment, including a medical screening for known neurological insults

Assessments In related areas such as: memory, cognitive functioning, sensory and motor skills, communication skills, organizational skills, information processing, social skills, behavior, flexibility/adaptability, attention, reasoning, abstract thinking, judgment, problem-solving, mental health status

Observation of student

This type of disability is often associated with low birth weight

Note: This is a low incidence disability. Assessors should have experience and knowledge related to appropriate assessment tools for students who may have neurological impairment

The Brockton Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, veteran’s status, sexual orientation or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in its programs and activities.