Studies now show that nearly every school has children who have been exposed to trauma, such as witnessing violence between their caretakers, being the direct targets of abuse, and other kinds of adversity. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study found higher levels of traumatic experiences in the general population than previously imagined.
Trauma is not an event itself, but rather a response to one or more overwhelmingly stressful events where one’s ability to cope is dramatically undermined. These experiences in childhood can lead to a cascade of social, emotional and academic difficulties. As students get older, exposure to traumatic experiences can also lead to the adoption of self-medicating behaviors such as substance abuse, smoking, and overeating. All of these responses to traumatic events can interfere with a child’s ability to learn at school.
Learn more about the Prevalence of Trauma at:
traumasensitiveschools.org/trauma-and-learning/the-problem-prevalence/
www.traumasensitiveschools.org
Presenter: Joel Ristucia, Ed.M.
The Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative