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.
Table of Contents
About the Authors xi
Series Preface xiii
Acknowledgements xv
Section One History: Trauma, Adversity and the Trauma-Informed Movement
One Adverse Childhood Experiences 3
Kirby L. Wycoff
Two Impact on Children, Teens, Families, and Communities 17
Kirby L. Wycoff
Three Public Health and the Trauma-Informed Movement 35
Kirby L. Wycoff
Four Trauma-Informed Schools 59
Kirby L. Wycoff
Section Two Complex Trauma and the Role of Functional Impairment
Five Child Development 79
Bettina Franzese
Six Complex Trauma and Its Impact on the Brain 93
Bettina Franzese
Bettina Franzese Seven Domains of Impairment: Functional Impact of Complex Trauma and Stress 127
Kirby L. Wycoff
Section Three Trauma-Informed Assessment Framework
Eight Considerations for Trauma Screening in School and Community Settings 157
Kirby L. Wycoff
Nine Individual and Familial Assessment Tools 181
Kirby L. Wycoff
Section Four Trauma-Informed Intervention Framework
Ten Competencies and Components of Trauma-Informed Interventions 201
Kirby L. Wycoff
Eleven Trauma-Informed Interventions and Treatments 219
Kirby L. Wycoff
Section Five Ethical Considerations in Trauma-Informed Assessment and Intervention
Twelve Ethical Considerations 243
Kirby L. Wycoff
Thirteen Emerging Treatments and Additional Resources 251
Kirby L. Wycoff
References 253
Index 295
