Troubled youth experience

CHRONIC STRESS with great intensity,

frequency, and duration which OVERWHELMS their

ability to cope.

Impact of StressImpact of Stress

Stress acts as a

MAGNIFYING GLASS

making small problems appear

larger.

What stressful issues do your youth experience at:

HOME?SCHOOL?

PERSONAL?

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So is it any wonder that

they overreact to

minor problems?

Many troubled youth have been deeply impacted by traumatic events in their early childhood years.

These events often change children emotionally, physically, even biochemically... and significantly impact behavior in teen years.

Impact of TraumaImpact of Trauma

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When you think of PTSD....

What is Childhood What is Childhood Trauma?Trauma?

Childhood Trauma: Psychological trauma stemming from severe

and often repeated incidences of physical, sexual, or psychological

abuse, chronic neglect, or exposure to violence during early

childhood.

18% of all adult men26% of all adult women Have had sexually or physically abusive childhood

experiences

How Prevalent is it?How Prevalent is it?

5.8 million children referred to CPS in 2007

794,000 confirmed victims of severe physical, sexual, or psychological abuse or neglect.

1,760 deaths as a result of abuse, 50% infants.

1. DIRECT RESULTS OF ABUSE/NEGLECT:

a. Physical injuries: Bruises, broken bones, & malnutrition

What is the Impact?What is the Impact?

b. Psychological injuries: (PTSD)1. Dissociation: Disconnect with reality.

2. Hyperarousal: Heightened psychological and physical tension.

3. Re-experiencing: Nightmares or flashbacks.

What is the Impact?What is the Impact?

Long term physical changes in children & adolescents

1. Disabilities: 20%-25% permanent physical injury/disability, and 10%-25% developmental disability.

2. Brain damage: Malnutrition, TBI or prolonged sexual abuse --> 7%-8% smaller brain size.

3. Hormonal changes: Irreversible changes to catecholamine levels in blood even years after the abuse.

What is the Impact?What is the Impact?

Long term mental, emotional, & behavioral on adolescents

a. Internalizing symptoms: Avoidance; depression & withdrawal; sleep problems; suicidal thoughts; self-injurious behaviors.

b. Externalizing symptoms: Fighting peers; unprovoked aggression; direct defiance; substance abuse; criminal behavior.

What is the Impact?What is the Impact?

GENDER DIFFERENCES:

a. Girls = internalizing symptoms (dissociation, surrender, self-harm).

b. Boys = externalizing symptoms (hyperarousal, flight-or-flight, aggression).

c. Victims of sexual abuse = avoidance of physical contact or oversexualized behavior

So what do you do?I’m a special ed teacher...

Really? That must be so rewarding....

No, I work with ED/BD

Oh, the BAD ones!

Just once.....Just once.....

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Just once.....Just once.....

For every time his young spirit was CRUSHED as as a toddler...

Just once.....Just once.....

For every time her body was battered and her heart broken...

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Just once.....Just once.....

For every time she’s been CUT by harsh and hateful words from those who SHOULD have nurtured her hopes

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If we saw this... If we could see insideand find HIM...

Key Point #2Key Point #2Key Point #2Because troubled youth

experience overwhelming CHRONIC STRESSES, they will often overreact to otherwise minor problems.

In addition, many have suffered lasting physical, mental, and emotional damage caused by Childhood Trauma. This has a significant impact on their behavior, making them “exquisitely sensitive to shaming.”