The Neuropsychology of Stress and Trauma: How to Develop a “Trauma Informed” School

This workshop will explore the neural underpinnings of stress, trauma, and emotional dysfunction in children and its impact upon learning. Environmental deprivation, poverty, childhood abuse, witnessing violence, and pandemics can impact both cognitive and social-emotional development. There will be a discussion of key brain regions impacted by stress and trauma, as well as five steps that schools can take to become more “trauma-informed”. Schools can enhance emotional wellness through early prevention efforts, appropriate assessment and screening techniques, and an improved school climate to foster emotional growth for all children.