How Trauma Effects

Students
by
Carmen Ryan

Breath is the bridge which connects life to

consciousness, which unites your body to your
thoughts. Whenever you mind becomes scattered, use
your breath as the means to take hold of your mind
again. Thich Nhat Hanh

THE ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES PYRAMID

Death

Early
Death
Disease,
Disability and
Social Problems

Adoption of Healthrisk Behaviors

Social, Emotional and
Cognitive Impairment
Disrupted Neurodevelopment

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Conception

Mechanisms by which adverse childhood experiences influence health and

well-being throughout the lifespan.

ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES

Recurrent physical or emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
An alcoholic or drug abuser in the household
An incarcerated household member
Someone who is chronically depressed, suicidal,
institutionalized or mentally ill

Mother being treated violently

One or no parents

Emotional or physical neglect.

Note: The more adverse experiences and the younger
the child, the more neurodevelopment disruption.

EX: AN INCARCERATED
PARENT

Witnessing arrest
Sudden separation from parent
Pre-trial, trial, sentencing
Change in caregiver(s)
Changes in living arrangements (ie. foster care)
Changes in school
Changes in daily routines
Identity disruption (ie. shame, guilt, stigma)
Visitations departures
Exposure to caregiver stress
Increase risk for poverty, exposure to violence
Reunification issues
Termination of parental rights.

BEHAVIORS CAUSED BY
TRAUMA

Aggressive, defiant
Withdrawal, isolation
Inability to concentrate, inattentive
Sleepiness
Spacy
Hyper-vigilance
Fidgety
Jumpy
Overactive
Repetitive play
Flat affect (ie. no emotion)
Cant catch breath.

HOW TO ENGAGE
Regulate yourself: observe, breathe, center,

ground
Be mindful that every child is unique
Focus on relationship rather than behaviors
Provide attunement, presence, reassurance,
repetitive, rhythmic voice
Provide win-win choices
Use gentle contact if appropriate (ie. take childs
hand, hand on shoulder).
Note: If children cant talk @ fear,
they cant move forward.

REACTION TO A CHILD
ESCALATING
Time in, not time out
Reduce stimulation
Shift expectations
Increase connection
Increase protection.

COPING STRATEGIES
Stay present
Slow down
Make space
Know your own inner landscape
Give up linearity
Celebrate the small stuff.

SELF CARE
Healthy eating

Mindfulness

Physical fitness and

Avoiding compassion

immunity

fatigue

Reducing stress

Be good to yourself

Time management

Assertiveness

Relaxation

socialwork.buffalo.edu/r
esources/self-carestarter-kit/