Jennifer Branchini is a speech-language pathologist and the Founder of District Speech & Language Therapy. District Speech is a team of certified and licensed speech-language pathologists servicing all ages in diagnosing and treating communication disorders and physical impairments. Jennifer honed her expertise in craniofacial anomalies and cleft lip and palate while interning with the Shands Hospital craniofacial team while studying at the University of Florida. She also participated in a speech therapy camp in Ukraine, where she evaluated and treated children with speech impairments.
Ama Teasdel is an educational consultant and curriculum designer. She’s a former middle school inclusion specialist at Two Rivers Public Charter School, which is part of a network of high-performing schools in the Washington, D.C. area. As an educator and analytical leader, Ama has coached teams of teachers, designed and facilitated professional development sessions, and served as a mentor teacher. She is also a thought leader in special education who has presented at national conferences.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- Jennifer Branchini on how traumatic brain injuries can lead to personality shifts and sudden impulsivity
- COVID-induced cognitive issues, like brain fog and memory loss, can persist for years
- Ama Teasdel notes students’ reduced work stamina post-COVID challenges educators to adapt instructional methods
- How paid services have sometimes left children with unmet needs in public schools
- Parents may consider private therapy for their children if schools fail to effectively provide mandated services
- How continuous education and outreach empower individuals to seek help and navigate the complexities of cognitive issues
- Anxiety and depression often accompany cognitive deficits post- TBI or COVID, necessitating holistic therapy approaches
- Jennifer points to NIH studies as valuable resources for understanding and addressing the long-term effects of COVID
In this episode…
The effects of traumatic brain injuries, and even COVID, can require therapy — which can often be a complicated and comprehensive process.
According to Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel of District Speech & Language Therapy, the impact of traumatic brain injuries and COVID-related cognitive issues is often multifaceted, and the strategies for addressing them can pose challenges. Jennifer and Ama discuss the diverse range of effects resulting from TBIs, from physical impairments like swallowing difficulties to cognitive deficits such as memory loss and confusion. This sheds light on the importance of early intervention and comprehensive therapy approaches, emphasizing the need to address speech and other brain functions through occupational and physical therapy. Challenges within the education system, particularly regarding the provision of paid services for children with unmet needs in public schools, highlight the complexities faced by families and educators.
In this episode of EspecIallY “SpeciAl” SpeeCh?!, Jennifer Branchini and Ama Teasdel are interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 about the effects of traumatic brain injuries and COVID-induced cognitive issues. Jennifer and Ama emphasize the importance of awareness, education, and access to resources for individuals and families navigating these challenges. They also underscore the significance of ongoing research and support systems, noting the challenges faced by public schools in facilitating recovery.
Resources Mentioned in this episode
- Jennifer Branchini on LinkedIn
- District Speech & Language Therapy
- Ama Teasdel on LinkedIn
- Possible effects of TBI
- Cognitive effects of COVID
- Chad Franzen on LinkedIn
- Rise25
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by District Speech & Language Therapy.
At District Speech & Language Therapy, we help you learn to love your voice.
Our team of licensed speech-language pathologists provides expert service to children, adolescents, and adults in diagnosing and treating communication disorders.
We help with a wide range of disorders including autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, phonological, language delays, and cognitive deficits.
Book a consultation today to learn how you can benefit from our solutions whether you’d like to be treated in a private, community, or home-based setting.
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