Recognizing & Treating Cognitive Communicative Behaviors that Affect Learning & Community Integration after TBI

Roberta DePompei, Ph.D. is a recently retired Distinguished Professor, Interim Dean of the College of Health Professions, and  Director of the School of Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Akron. Her major area of research and interest is in cognitive-communicative challenges to the individual with brain injury and the impact of brain injury on the family system. An advocate for the needs of youth with brain injuries and their families, she is on numerous national and international task forces and committees. She has helped to develop support groups and a community based collaborative of agencies to problem solve issues for this population.  Widely published, and a national and international presenter, Dr DePompei is recognized for her unique and innovative approaches for functional community inclusion.

Session Description:

Course addresses recent trends for children and young adults with TBI. Best practices for providing information to families and professionals, current thinking about TBI as a chronic condition, academic and social learning challenges, gist, strategic learning, family resilience, and suggestions for providing support in the hospital, classroom and community are discussed. Participants will be provided with research and given practical techniques for intervention with these issues. Session will be discussion based with audience participation expected. Participants are encouraged to share information about clients on their caseload and to actively question and provide input throughout the session.

 Session Objectives:

Employing an approach that emphasizes practical applications, the presenter will:

1. Describe the identifying characteristics of traumatic brain injury, including the behavioral, cognitive-communicative challenges and social communication issues that typically emerge.


2. Suggest methods for assessment and intervention that provide adequate supports for communication, behavior, and learning during rehabilitation and within the community.

 Learning Outcomes:

 At the culmination of this session, participants will be able to:

1. List the most important issues for professionals to help others to know about TBI.


2. Define the medical characteristics that indicate this diagnosis may be a chronic condition.


3. Describe concussion protocols that are significant to young adults, including return to school issues.


4. Explain how underlying processes of cognitive-communication impact the individual’s learning and behaving.


5. Describe the social pragmatic language issues that accompany students with TBI, including strategic learning, gist and social communication.


6. Outline procedures to assess and treat persons returning to school and community.

6 CEs Offered

8:30am - 3:30pm

Continental breakfast items and boxed lunch provided

Additional fees required ($75/professional member, $30/student member)