Childhood Trauma and Sleep Disturbances

Course overview

Sleep disturbances are common among children and adolescents and exacerbated when individuals have been exposed to early life traumatic experiences and toxic stress. Sleep, recognized as an occupation in the OT Practice Framework, is one area particularly susceptible to the negative effects of exposure to trauma. When unidentified or untreated, disruptions in sleep can contribute to a host of behavioral, emotional, cognitive, learning, social, and physical health consequences. Designed for OTs and other pediatric professionals, this 2-hour, view-on-demand, recorded webinar provides participants with a working understanding of the definitions, causes, and consequences of sleep disturbances in children with a history of trauma exposure. Special emphasis is placed on implications for screening and intervention. This course also includes a detailed subsection about the impact sleep disturbances have on individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD). Other relevant topics of interest covered include attachment, excessive screen time exposure, executive dysfunction, arousal issues, mental illness, internalization and externalizing behavioral problems, peer victimization, foster care placement, and sleep hygiene. Case studies and professional observations are highlighted throughout. At the end of this course, you will be able to (1) show a working understanding of sleep disturbances; (2) assess the risk factors, warning signs, red flag indicators, causes of sleep disturbances; (3) define early life trauma with common examples of such experiences; (4) explain how exposure to early life traumatic experiences contribute to sleep disturbances; and (5) distinguish between the proper screening and intervention strategies appropriate for individuals impacted by sleep disturbances who have a history of trauma exposure. This distance-learning, independent format is offered at 0.2 CEUs, Intermediate Level, OT Service Delivery, and targeted to intermediate-level OTs, COTAs, and other pediatric 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. For more information on our live courses, visit our website: https://www.sensationalbrain.com/product-category/ceu/on-demand-webinars/. To stay abreast of our latest live and view-on-demand course offerings, sales, and FREEBIES, consider subscribing to our newsletter: bit.ly/3tkOSAX. Send questions to celeste@sensationalbrain.com.