COURSE OVERVIEW:

This course is designed to provide insights into understanding, identifying, and effectively addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children. This course will explore various aspects of childhood PTSD, including its definition, developmental perspectives, signs and symptoms, causes, and triggers.

In the initial sections, we will delve into what PTSD in children entails, offering developmental perspectives to understand how trauma impacts children uniquely. Recognising signs and symptoms of PTSD in children is crucial, and this course will equip you with the knowledge to identify them effectively.

Understanding the neurobiological effects of trauma on child development and its impact on cognitive and emotional regulation will be essential topics covered. Additionally, we will explore the social and interpersonal consequences of childhood PTSD, taking into account cultural considerations to ensure a holistic understanding of childhood trauma.

Assessment and diagnosis of PTSD in children will be thoroughly discussed, along with trauma-informed care approaches aimed at providing effective support and intervention. Various therapeutic interventions, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Play Therapy, will be explored in detail, along with adjunctive approaches to treatment.

Furthermore, this course will address the importance of family dynamics in supporting children with PTSD, as well as the role of childcare educators in providing necessary support. Strategies for preventing secondary trauma in professionals working with traumatised children will also be discussed.

As we progress through the course, we will explore trauma recovery and resilience-building techniques tailored for children, while also addressing stigma and misconceptions surrounding childhood PTSD. Ethical considerations in working with traumatised children will be highlighted to ensure ethical and compassionate practice.

By the end of this course, participants will have gained a solid understanding of PTSD in children, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective support and intervention for traumatised children in various settings.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. What is PTSD in Children?

2. Developmental Perspectives on Childhood PTSD

·       Developmental Milestones

·       Vulnerability and Resilience

·       Age-Related Differences in Symptom Presentation

·       Impact on Brain Development

·       Attachment and Interpersonal Relationships

·       Developmentally Appropriate Interventions

3. Recognising Signs and Symptoms of PTSD in Children

·       Behavioural Signs

·       Emotional Signs

·       Cognitive Signs

·       Physical Signs

4. Causes and Triggers of PTSD in Childhood

·       Traumatic Events

·       Risk Factors

·       Triggers and Reminders

5. Neurobiological Effects of Trauma on Child Development

·       Stress Response System

·       Brain Structure and Function

·       Neuroplasticity and Adaptation

·       Epigenetic Modifications

·       Impact on Physical Health

6. Impact of Trauma on Cognitive Development in Children

·       Attention and Concentration

·       Memory and Learning

·       Executive Functioning

·       Processing Speed and Efficiency

·       Cognitive Flexibility and Adaptation

·       Self-Concept and Identity

7. Emotional Regulation and PTSD in Childhood

·       Emotional Dysregulation in PTSD

·       Triggers and Flashbacks

·       Avoidance and Withdrawal

·       Hypervigilance and Anxiety

·       Coping Strategies and Resilience

·       Trauma-Informed Care and Support

8. Social and Interpersonal Consequences of Childhood PTSD

·       Impaired Social Functioning

·       Difficulty Trusting Others

·       Disrupted Peer Relationships

·       Academic Challenges

·       Family Dysfunction

·       Risk of Re-Victimisation

9. Cultural Considerations in Understanding Childhood Trauma

·       Cultural Definitions of Trauma

·       Cultural Expressions of Distress

·       Cultural Beliefs About Mental Health

·       Cultural Protective Factors

·       Intersectionality and Diversity

·       Culturally Competent Practice

10. Assessment and Diagnosis of PTSD in Children

·       Screening and Initial Assessment

·       Clinical Interviews and Psychosocial Assessment

·       Diagnostic Criteria for Childhood PTSD

·       Differential Diagnosis

·       Cultural and Developmental Considerations

·       Multimodal Assessment

11. Trauma-Informed Care Approaches for Children with PTSD

·       Safety and Trustworthiness

·       Empowerment and Collaboration

·       Cultural Sensitivity and Responsiveness

·       Understanding Trauma and its Impact

·       Trauma-Sensitive Environments

·       Strengths-Based Approach

·       Holistic and Integrated Care

·       Trauma-Focused Interventions

12. Therapeutic Interventions for Childhood PTSD

·       Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)

·       Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

·       Play Therapy

·       Adjunctive Approaches

13. Play Therapy Techniques for Treating Childhood PTSD

·       Symbolic Play

·       Role-Playing and Pretend Play

·       Expressive Arts and Creative Modalities

·       Therapeutic Games and Activities

14. Family Dynamics and PTSD in Children: Supporting the Carers

·       Impact of Childhood PTSD on Family Dynamics

·       Supporting Caregivers in the Context of Childhood PTSD

·       Building Resilience and Coping Skills

15. Childcare Educators Supporting Children with PTSD

·       Understanding Childhood PTSD

·       Creating a Safe and Predictable Environment

·       Building Positive Relationships

·       Supporting Emotional Regulation

·       Collaboration and Communication

16. Preventing Secondary Trauma in Professionals Working with Traumatised Children

·       Self-Awareness and Self-Care Practices

·       Trauma-Informed Training and Education

·       Supervision, Support, and Debriefing

·       Trauma-Informed Organisational Policies and Practices

17. Trauma Recovery and Resilience Building in Children

·       Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

·       Psychoeducation and Normalisation

·       Trauma-Focused Therapies

·       Building Resilience and Coping Skills

·       Cultivating Strengths and Interests

18. Addressing Stigma and Misconceptions Surrounding Childhood PTSD

·       Education and Awareness Campaigns

·       Challenging Stereotypes and Stigmatising Language

·       Promoting Trauma-Informed Practices

·       Advocating for Policy Changes

19. Ethical Considerations in Working with Traumatised Children

·       Informed Consent and Assent

·       Confidentiality and Privacy

·       Cultural Competence and Diversity

·       Boundaries and Professionalism

·       Duty to Report and Child Protection

·       Trauma-Informed Care and Evidence-Based Practices

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.