Neuroscience and Resilience
- Signs of trauma in neurodivergent children
- Trauma-related behaviors vs disability-related behaviors
- Impact of neurodivergence on trauma processing
- Communication impairments
- Sensory processing disorder
- Physical disabilities
- Medical needs
- ASD-related behaviors
- Brain change through EMDR, ACT, CBT, somatic therapies
- Limitations of research and potential risks
Navigate Communication Challenges
- Apps and tech to support 2-way communication
- Psychoeducation using social stories and video modeling
- Visual supports for emotion identification
- 5 art therapy techniques to communicate without words
- Defusion techniques for non-verbal children
- Case study: CBT for autistic teen engaging in self-harm
Meet Sensory Needs
- Create a sensory-friendly space
- Quick & easy calming sensory strategies
- Sensory routines for emotional regulation
- In-session use of proprioceptive and vestibular strategies
- Interoception: its BIG role in emotions
- Left-right stimulation strategies
- Case study: Play therapy to address trauma in child with FAS
Move Beyond Physical Limitations
- Modifications for play therapy techniques
- Positioning to support interaction
- Help kids set value-driven goals despite disability-related challenges
- Deal with disability-related identity issues
- Assistive technology in trauma work
- Case study: EMDR with child with CP and history of abuse
Engage the Hard-to-Engage Child
- Movement before mindfulness
- Capitalize on routines and rituals
- Play-based trust-building strategies
- Puppets, sand trays, and doll houses
- Case study: ACT with autistic child in foster care
Support Cognitive Processing
- Strategies to build sense of self
- Dramatic play for perspective-taking
- Resources for emotional identification and processing
- Visual supports for understanding and acceptance
- Building psychological flexibility through role-play
- Case study: CBT and child with Down syndrome
Build the Child’s Dream Team
- Co-regulation strategies for caregivers
- Support attachment
- Routines-based intervention for the home
- Interdisciplinary collaboration for success