Decoding Challenges: Understanding Adversity, Trauma, and Developmental Delay

In this session professionals will understand the impact of adversity and trauma on developmental delay, potential disability, and/or mental health concerns in children and youth ages birth to 22. Participants will understand how to discern whether academic and social challenges are due to a disability or delay versus environmental or circumstantial factors like deployment, caregiver illness, grief, or other adverse and traumatic events. Knowledge and insights needed to make informed decisions on when to pursue a special education evaluation and when to monitor while providing necessary support services ensuring the best outcomes for students across the life span, will also be discussed. 

Learning Objectives

1. Define and differentiate between adversity and trauma
2. Understand the developmental sequelae of childhood adversity and trauma
3. Understand age-related learning processes and outcomes in the context of adversity and trauma
4. Identify variability in developmental trajectories of children and youth exposed to adversity and trauma
5. Identify trauma-informed educational strategies to help promote learning and development through appropriate support services (e.g., early intervention, infant mental health, special education)