Cart

Return To Learn

Returning To School After a Concussion

Returning to school after a concussion can be challenging. While Return to Play (RTP) often receives focus, Return to Learn (RTL) is equally—if not more—important. Students must feel supported and empowered to achieve the best possible academic outcome. Though no concussion is exactly alike, schools and families should work together to provide appropriate accommodations.

Why School Is Challenging

Concussions affect both physical and cognitive performance. Physical symptoms make reading, concentrating, and listening difficult, while cognitive symptoms reduce an individual's ability to process information. Teachers, school staff, and families must understand these symptoms to offer appropriate support.

Common Symptoms

Neck pain

Eye movement difficulties (Oculomotor dysfunction)

Dizziness/Vestibular dysfunction

Migraines and headaches

Nausea

Insomnia

Light sensitivity (photophobia)

Sound sensitivity (phonophobia)

Movement sensitivity

Concentration difficulties

Fatigue

Dual-tasking challenges

Anxiety

Ruminative thoughts

Mood disturbance

⚠️These symptoms may be intensified by conditions such as ADHD, depression, or maladaptive coping strategies.

  • How Schools Can Accommodate

    → Homebound instruction
    → Partial attendance
    → Late start/early dismissal
    →Rest periods
    → Extra time for assignments
    → Excuse from non-essential work
    → Postpone testing
    → Excuse from standardized testing
    → Extra time for testing
    → Quiet exam rooms
    → Tutoring support
    → Excuse from gym/sports
    → Excuse from assemblies/band
    → Quiet lunch area
    → Preferential seating
    → Light/sound accommodation
    → Audiobooks
    → Lecture recordings
    → Note taker provided
    → Notes before class
    → Open book testing 

  • Essential Guidelines

    ✔️ Students should return to school after a few days of gentle active rest—prolonged absence may cause additional difficulties

    ✔️ Return should follow a graded plan with options for rest and comfort breaks

    ✔️ Memory, concentration, and organization difficulties may persist for weeks or months

    ✔️ Medical professionals should guide appropriate cognitive and physical tasks

    ✔️ Create individualized steps for both academic work and physical activity

    ✔️ Younger students require more conservative plans and treatment approaches

    ✔️ Progress only when symptom-free at the current level (no dizziness, headache, light/sound sensitivity, fogginess, drowsiness)

    ✔️ If symptoms return, stop, rest, and return to the previous level

    ✔️Each step requires a minimum of 24 hours before progression

Return to Learn Progression

Students should progress through these stages gradually, spending at least 24 hours at each stage. If symptoms worsen, return to the previous stage.

01

Daily Activities at Home

  • Light mental activities (5-15 minutes at a time)
  • Reading, puzzles, board games
  • Limited screen time (no video games)
  • Avoid activities that worsen symptoms
02

Gradual Return to School

  • Half-day attendance or modified schedule
  • Attend classes without completing assignments or tests
  • Reduced cognitive demands
  • Rest breaks as needed
  • No physical education or sports
03

Increased Academic Demands

  • Full-day school attendance
  • Begin completing schoolwork with accommodations
  • Reduced homework load (50-75% of regular work)
  • Extra time for assignments and tests
  • Continue to avoid physical education
04

Full Return to Learn

  • Full school day with regular schedule
  • Complete all assignments and tests
  • Participate in all classes (including PE if symptom-free)
  • No academic accommodations needed
  • May begin return to sport protocol if cleared by medical professional

ℹ️ Important: Every student's recovery is different. Some may progress through stages quickly while others need more time. The key is to advance gradually and return to the previous step if symptoms worsen. Always follow guidance from healthcare providers.