Understanding how chronic stress affects child development with
step-by-step guidelines for conducting trauma-informed assessments and
interventions
Children exposed to early negative and adverse experiences may not
think, feel, process emotions, behave, respond to, or relate to others
the same way that typically developing children do. If psychologists do
not appreciate and understand the effects of trauma in the lives of
children, they may be working in ways that are not efficient or
effective and may actually be providing a disservice to the children and
families they serve.
This volume provides an overview of the deleterious effects of adverse
childhood experiences (also referred to as complex trauma, toxic stress
or developmental trauma) on children's functioning, adjustment,
cognitive, social-emotional, behavioral, academic, and
neuropsychological outcomes. Complex trauma can alter brain structure
and function and throw children off a normal developmental trajectory
resulting in a myriad of negative outcomes.
In addition, step-by-step guidelines are provided for conducting
trauma-informed assessments, treatments, and interventions.
- Understand how early stressors can affect influence normal development
and influence child psychopathology
- Learn how exposure to early life adversity affects the biological
stress systems which can compromise normal brain development
- Become familiar with the functions and neuropsychological constructs
associated with brain regions affected by chronic stress.
- Identify risk factors that can negatively influence children's
behavioral, social, emotional, cognitive, and academic functioning
- Identify and use trauma-sensitive assessment instruments and protocols
- Gather background and family history from a trauma perspective
- Use evidence-based interventions to best meet each child's unique
needs
Essentials of Trauma-Informed Assessment and Interventions in the
Schools is essential reading for school, clinical, and related
psychologists and their trainers.
