In this session, professionals will learn how to distinguish between neurodiversity or potential disability and the impacts of trauma or mental health concerns in children and students ages from birth to age 22. Participants will understand how to discern whether challenges are due to a disability or delay versus environmental or circumstantial factors like deployment, caregiver illness, or grief. Attendees will gain insights on when to pursue a special education evaluation and when to monitor while providing necessary supports. This session will provide knowledge needed to make informed decisions, ensuring the best outcomes for students will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
- Define and differentiate between adversity and trauma
- Understand the developmental sequelae of childhood adversity and trauma
- Understand age-related learning processes and outcomes in the context of adversity and trauma
- Identify variability in developmental trajectories of children and youth exposed to adversity and trauma
- Identify trauma-informed educational strategies to help promote learning and development through appropriate support services (e.g., early intervention, infant mental health, special education)
