Disability Resources > Traumatic Brain Injury
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by the head being hit by something or shaken violently. (The exact definition of TBI, according to special education law, is given below.) This injury can change how the person acts, moves, and thinks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) helps us understand how often brain injuries occur and who may be affected.
Each year, about 2.8 million people in the United States experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Many of these injuries are serious enough to require medical care, with over 220,000 people hospitalized and around 64,000 lives lost each year. Today, an estimated 5.3 million Americans are living with long-term effects from a brain injury, which can affect learning, communication, behavior, physical abilities, and daily independence.
Common Signs and Characteristics of TBI
A traumatic brain injury can also change how a student learns and acts in school. The term TBI is used for head injuries that can cause changes in one or more areas, such as:
- thinking and reasoning,
- understanding words,
- remembering things,
- paying attention,
- solving problems,
- thinking abstractly,
- talking,
- behaving,
- walking and other physical activities,
- seeing and/or hearing, and
- learning.
The term TBI is not used for a person who is born with a brain injury, and it is not used for brain injuries that happen during birth.
The Austim Spectrum
Autism is one of the five disorders that falls under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development”.
Many professionals and parents refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).
Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria which have been outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
Historically, conditions within this spectrum included:
- Autistic Disorder
- Aspergers Disorder
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
- Rett’s Disorder
- PDD – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)t
Today, these are generally understood within the single diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism is not identified through a single test. Instead, a diagnosis is based on understanding patterns of development and behavior over time and across different environments.
Getting a diagnosis can help families better understand their child, access appropriate supports, and plan next steps. A diagnosis is not a label—it is a tool for understanding and support.
Autism Information, Resources, and Support
As part of the Utah Parent Center’s Autism Information Resources project, a wide range of autism-related information has been gathered to support families across Utah.
Contact the Utah Parent Center for information on Utah support groups and other organizations related to autism spectrum disorders.
Get in Touch with the Utah Parent Center
If you have questions, need guidance, or just want to talk through what’s going on with your child, the Utah Parent Center is here to help. Our services are free, confidential, and focused on supporting families.
Autism Resource Lists
The staff of the Utah Parent Center have compiled a collection of resources for families in Utah’s autism community. Please call the Utah Parent Center at 801-272-1051 or Toll-Free in Utah at 1-800-468-1160 for current resources in your area that may fit your needs.
Traumatic Brain Injury
The Center for Parent Information and Resources’ information page includes basic information about TBI, what parents and teachers can do, and a variety of other resources.
Brain Injury Association of Utah
The Brain Injury Alliance of Utah was established in 1984 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Alliance is the only non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to education and support for the issues of prevention and recovery of brain injury in the state of Utah. In addition to resources and activities, low-cost bike helmets are offered through this website.
Adult Services
Resources and services tailored for autistic adults, including housing, healthcare, and independence support.
Website Resources
A curated collection of trusted autism-related websites, tools, and guides for families and caregivers.
Autism Support Groups
Connect with others who understand. Find local and statewide groups for parents, caregivers, and individuals with autism.
Autism Assistive Technology
Learn about helpful tools and devices that support communication, learning, and daily routines.
Autism Early Intervention
Find early support options that help young children build communication, social, and developmental skills.
Autism Employment Resources
Support and guidance for teens and adults navigating job training, employment, and workplace success.
Socialization
Programs and tips to help individuals with autism build friendships and engage in social experiences.
Other Resources
Autism Council of Utah
The Autism Council of Utah (ACU) is an independent council working to foster collaboration, communication, and learning among families and agencies. Our aim is to promote access to resources and responsible information for individuals of all ages who have, or are affected by autism, or related conditions. The Council will accomplish this by supporting statewide partnerships to collaborate on special projects, research, and training. Watch our video!
AASPIRE – Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Is autism a disability?
Autism may be considered a disability when it significantly affects learning, communication, social interaction, or daily functioning. When autism impacts a child’s ability to access education without support, it can make them eligible for accommodations, services, or special education under federal and state law. Eligibility is based on how autism affects educational performance, not simply on having a diagnosis. Many individuals with autism benefit from supports that help remove barriers and promote participation and success.
What causes autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins early in life and is influenced by genetic and biological factors. Research shows that autism is not caused by parenting practices or environmental factors such as screen time or diet. While the exact causes are complex and continue to be studied, autism reflects differences in brain development rather than something a family did or did not do.
Can autism be diagnosed at any age?
Yes. Autism can be identified in early childhood, but many individuals are diagnosed later in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Some traits may be less noticeable early on or may be masked as children adapt to their environments. A later diagnosis can still be meaningful and helpful by providing clarity, access to support, and a better understanding of personal strengths and challenges.
Does autism change over time?
Autism is a lifelong condition, but how it affects a person can change as they grow and move through different stages of life. Support needs may shift depending on environment, expectations, and individual development. With appropriate supports, many autistic individuals build skills that help them navigate school, work, relationships, and daily life more successfully.
Does being autistic mean someone can’t live independently?
No. Autistic individuals have a wide range of abilities, strengths, and support needs. Many live independently, work, attend school, form meaningful relationships, and contribute to their communities. Some may need accommodations or ongoing support, while others may need very little. Independence looks different for everyone and should be defined by the individual’s goals and needs.