Finding the Strong: Supporting Families Impacted by Trauma

Children and youth with disabilities are at higher risk of harmful experiences including neglect, abuse, punitive discipline, and many others. These can be traumatizing for the child, their families and the educational and community service systems designed to keep them safe. COVID has brought the significant impact of trauma closer to home. Cognitive science affirms that children and youth, especially those with disabilities, operating from a place of traumatic stress are often not able to grow, develop or come to school ready to learn and engage meaningfully with peers and adults. In this session, participants will: – deepen understanding of traumatic stress and short and long-term impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); – visualize and practice the brain-based responses to trauma and their connection to children’s behaviors and emotions; – name strategies for fostering strong relationships as a foundation for self-regulation skills and strengthening resilience; – practice trauma-sensitive responses and practices for supporting families raising children, youth and young adults impacted by trauma. We will cover trauma-informed educational evaluations and trauma informed IEPs.