Childhood Trauma and Executive Function Deficits

Course overview

Executive functions (EF) are a complex neuropsychological construct involving several higher order cognitive processes. These processes guide, direct, monitor, and control behaviors, cognitions, and adaptive skills and functions. Executive functioning capabilities impact a variety of daily occupations required for independence from ADLs to academics, social skills, leisure and play abilities, psychiatric health, and employment abilities. When executive functioning capabilities are compromised, the likelihood of several short- and long-term negative outcomes increase. Exposure to childhood trauma impedes EF capabilities, therefore offering occupational therapists the opportunity to positively impact the pediatric population impacted by childhood trauma. This webinar examines the impacts of toxic stress, adversity, and complex trauma on EF abilities in children and adolescents. Participants will learn to identify underlying causes and neurobiopsychosocial factors associated with poor EF along with its reciprocal relationship with attachment formation, language development, emotional intelligence, sensory processing, theory of mind, and sleep. Screening, intervention strategies and other related topics grounded in empirical research findings and case studies are included in this 3-hour, view-on-demand, recorded webinar. At the end of this course, you will be able to (1) define executive function and learn about its building blocks and various dimensions; (2) list red flag indicators, warning signs, and consequences of executive function deficits; (3) identify how toxic stress, adversity, and complex trauma can impede the development of executive function; (4) list ways to promote and develop executive function skills in younger individuals exposed to trauma; and (5) define the benefits of executive function. This course is targeted to intermediate- to advanced-level OTs, COTAs, SLPs, teachers, and other professionals. The course instructor, Jerrod Brown, PhD, is a professor, trainer, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod has also been employed with Pathways Counseling Center, Inc. in St. Paul, Minnesota, since 2003. This distance-learning independent format is offered at 0.3 CEUs, Intermediate Level, OT Delivery Service. For more information on our live courses, visit our website: https://www.sensationalbrain.com/product-cagtegory/ceu/on-demand-webinars. To stay abreast of our latest live and view-on-demand course offerings, sales, and informational articles, consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter: https://goo.gl/uZb6c1. Please email celeste@sensationalbrain.com with any questions.