Problem: The student rarely generates ideas - or new ideas - in academic or other domains; the student appears to lack creativity.

General Medical Possibility: Seizures

Step 1: Organize observations relevant to the problematic behavior/issue

• Who is reporting the problem?
• When does it occur? (Include time of day, activities etc).
• Where does it occur?
• What tends to precede the problematic behavior/issue?
• What tends to follow the problematic behavior/issue?
• What is the age and functioning level of the student?
• Previous documentation/charts?

Step 2: Identify possible contributors to the problematic behavior/issue

In many cases, there are several contributors to the student’s identified problem. These contributors may interact with each other, therefore, it may be necessary to combine tests from different categories of possibilities. The existence of several interacting contributors may become obvious as you proceed through individual intervention experiments.

Seizures: In rare cases, impaired idea generation may be a result of subclinical seizures that may or may not be diagnosed. If seizures have not been diagnosed, but are suspected, a seizure evaluation should be recommended. When students with TBI evidence cognitive problems that are unpredictable and incompatible with the student’s normal behavior, consultation with a physician or neuropsychologist may help staff understand the source of the problem. If seizures are diagnosed, the prescribed medication regimen should be followed along with environmental management.

Possible referrals: A physician (e.g., neurologist) who can evaluate the student for possible seizures.