The Impact of Trauma on Learning and Behavior

Adults and children who have experienced traumatic events and anxiety may have behavioral or academic problems, or their suffering may not be apparent at all. Some kids show signs of stress in the first few weeks after a trauma, but return to their usual state of physical and emotional health. Even a child who does not exhibit serious symptoms may experience some degree of emotional distress, and for some children this distress may continue or even deepen over a long period of time. Some traumatic experiences occur once in a lifetime, others are ongoing. Many children have experienced multiple traumas, and for too many children trauma is a chronic part of their lives. Students who have experienced traumatic events may experience problems that impair their day-to-day functioning.

• One out of every 4 children attending school has been exposed to a traumatic event
  that can affect learning and/or behavior.
• Trauma can impair learning.
• Single exposure to traumatic events may cause jumpiness, intrusive thoughts, interrupted sleep and nightmares, anger and moodiness, and/or social withdrawal—any of which can interfere with
  concentration and memory.
• Chronic exposure to traumatic events, especially during a child’s early years can
  • Adversely affect attention, memory, and cognition
    Reduce a child’s ability to focus, organize, and process information
    • Interfere with effective problem solving and/or planning
    • Result in overwhelming feelings of frustration and anxiety
• Traumatized children may experience physical and emotional distress
  • Physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches
    Poor control of emotions
    • Inconsistent academic performance
    • Unpredictable and/or impulsive behavior
    • Intense reactions to reminders of their traumatic event:
    • Thinking others are violating their personal space, i.e., “What are you looking at?”
    • Blowing up when being corrected or told what to do by an authority figure
    • Fighting when criticized or teased by others
    • Resisting transition and/or change

There is help for kids and adults who have experienced trauma! Reach out to The Brain Breakthrough today and schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help calm down the body and the brain so that kids and reengage and start learning successfully again!

 

Brain Breakthrough Therapy can help! Please call today to schedule a free consultation in person or by phone.  6270 NW Oats, Portland, OR 97229 | 971-601-6256

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