Childhood Trauma and Sleep Disturbances
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 training 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.
Learning Outcomes
- Show a working understanding of sleep disturbances.
- Assess the risk factors, warning signs, red flag indicators, causes of sleep disturbances.
- Define early life trauma with common examples of such experiences.
- Explain how exposure to early life traumatic experiences contribute to sleep disturbances.
- Distinguish between the proper screening and intervention strategies appropriate for individuals impacted by sleep disturbances who have a history of trauma exposure.
Course Information
- Target Audience: intermediate-level OTs, COTAs, and other pediatric professionals
Note: While many professionals may benefit from the course content, we can only guarantee acceptance of continuing education credit as described in the following CEU section.
- View Agenda
- Course Instructor: Jerrod Brown, PhD
- CE Broker course code: 20-867941
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
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Sensational Brain LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity ID# 03675. This distance-learning, independent format is offered at 0.2 CEUs, Intermediate Level, OT Service Delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA. |

Jerrod Brown, PhD, MA, MS, MS, MS, MS, MS, is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS) and founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today. Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed six separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Applied Pediatric Nutrition, Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a certificate in diabetes care and education from Central Arizona College. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.
Disclosures
- Financial: Jerrod Brown receives a speaking fee from Sensational Brain LLC. He is compensated for his position as CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies and receives royalties as a co-editor of Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals.
- Nonfinancial: No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.