The Neuropsychology of Stress and Trauma: An Introduction to the FACT

This webinar will explore the neural underpinnings of stress, trauma, and emotional dysfunction in children and its impact on learning. Environmental deprivation, poverty, childhood abuse, witnessing violence, and pandemics can impact cognitive and social–emotional development in children. 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. Targeted assessment strategies featuring the new Feifer Assessment of Childhood Trauma (FACT) will be featured in order for teachers and educators to best meet the needs of today’s students.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the prevalence of trauma and stress in school-aged children and understand the various sources from which trauma can occur.
• Identify key brain regions that are affected when students experience trauma and understand the subsequent effect on academic and social skill development.
• Explain how to use the FACT trauma scale to measure the impact of stress and trauma on academic and social–emotional functioning in a school environment.
• Address key aspects of a trauma-informed assessment and introduce targeted accommodations to create a more positive school climate for all students.

Qualification Level Required: S

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: Clinical psychologists, mental health professionals, school psychologists, educational diagnosticians, neuropsychologists