Concussion Resources and Education for Community and Schools
A concussion can happen anywhere—at home, in the community or on a playground or the playing field. It’s important that all members of the community, from parents and coaches to school administrators and educators, have the knowledge and resources they need to put appropriate plans in place and recognize the signs should a concussion happen on their watch. We recommend educators and community members use the following resources and educational materials to help plan for and anticipate a concussion.
Download the Concussion Reference Guide
The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Concussion Reference Guide is intended to serve as a guideline or a user’s manual for local school boards and governing bodies. It covers a range of topics, from the definition of a concussion and ImPACT testing to cognitive rest and your role in managing concussions.Create a concussion policy
Our concussion policy template (en Español) can be downloaded and modified with your school or organization’s information.Enact the three-step concussion plan
- Educate
- Download an educational fact sheet for parents and athletes (en Español)
- Download a modifiable template to add your school or organization’s name and logo (en Español)
- Recognize the signs
- Download the sideline reference card for coaches and athletic trainers
- Download the guardian concussion notification sheet (en Español)
- Return safely
- Download our Return to School and Activities Guideline (en Español)
- Download our workout diary to track return to play (en Español)
- Download our guide to caring for your child (Age 4 years and younger) with a concussion (en Español)
- Download our guide to caring for your child (Ages 5 to 21) with a concussion (en Español)
Here are some guidelines for helping your child recover from a concussion:
- Limit physical activities like play. Don’t allow your child to return to gym class or sports until your doctor says it’s OK.
- Don’t allow too many visitors. Keep visits short.
- Keep surroundings calm and quiet.
- Be sure to keep your child’s doctor appointments, even if he is feeling better.
- Be patient. A concussion may temporarily make it hard for your child to focus, remember things or complete tasks.
- Limit thinking activities to easy books and simple arts and crafts projects. Limit screen activities (TV, video games, computers and cellphones) to no more than two hours a day for no longer than 30 minutes at a time.
- Have your child stop and rest any time symptoms get worse.
- Serious problems after a concussion are rare but can occur. That’s why a medical doctor should always be involved in a child’s care after a concussion.
Located at the Center for Advanced Pediatrics, our Multidisciplinary Complex Concussion Clinic offers coordinated care (by internal referral and appointment only) for patients who sustained a concussion and have prolonged symptoms that require the expertise of two or more specialists.
Our unique approach to multidisciplinary care will provide a one-stop-shop approach for complex concussion patients and their families. Our team combines the expertise of a range of specialists to help coordinate patient care. Our specialists will collaborate to customize the care path and treatment strategy for the symptoms and goals of each patient, with the ultimate goal of returning each patient to his or her sport, performance, activities and day-to-day life.
- Ask your doctor before giving your child any pain medicines.
- Don’t give your child any medicines that can cause sleepiness—like cold medicines or medicines for itching—until you check with your doctor.
Your child must stop playing all sports and rest until he has no concussion symptoms. He should also only return to school, work and studies before returning to game play or practice. Wait until your child’s doctor says it is OK for him to resume sports or PE. When this occurs, your child should take it slow and stop if any symptoms return. If your child has a second concussion before recovering from the first, there can be serious consequences.
Download the following concussion guidelines for specific sports:
The Return to Play Act of 2013 aims to protect young athletes from concussion injuries.
Your child’s school must have a concussion policy for sports. It must include informing parents about the concussion risks, removing any player showing concussion symptoms, and clearing an athlete to return to play only through a specially trained healthcare provider.
Minor Bump or Serious Head Injury? Learn Concussion Awareness, Prevention Tips and Guidance.
Contact Us 404-785-KIDS (5437)