How do I know what is “normal” adolescent behavior and what is related to the brain injury?
One of the most frequently asked questions by parents, this also is one of the most difficult to answer. Adolescence is known for its “storminess,” with many rapid physical and hormonal changes occurring simultaneously with increased social and academic pressures. The brain continues to develop right up through adolescence so new difficulties may emerge, especially if the frontal lobes which affect impulse control and emotions have been damaged. The impulsiveness and mood swings that we expect from adolescents may be compounded and aggravated by a brain injury that affects these control centers. An evaluation by a neuropsychologist can help identify behaviors that are directly related to the brain injury. What is a neuropsychologist and how can this person help? A neuropsychologist is a psychologist with additional special training in the relationship between the brain and behavior. A neuropsychologist can evaluate how a brain injury affects a child or adolescent’s learning, communicat
