Childhood Trauma and Executive Function Deficits

Executive functions (EF) are a complex neuropsychological construct involving several higher order cognitive processes. These processes guide, direct, monitor, and control behaviors, cognitions, and adaptive skills and functions. Executive functioning capabilities impact a variety of daily occupations required for independence from ADLs to academics, social skills, leisure and play abilities, psychiatric health, and employment abilities. When executive functioning capabilities are compromised, the likelihood of several short- and long-term negative outcomes increase. Exposure to childhood trauma impedes EF capabilities, therefore offering occupational therapists the opportunity to positively impact the pediatric population impacted by childhood trauma. This webinar examines the impacts of toxic stress, adversity, and complex trauma on EF abilities in children and adolescents. Participants will learn to identify underlying causes and neurobiopsychosocial factors associated with poor EF along with its reciprocal relationship with attachment formation, language development, emotional intelligence, sensory processing, theory of mind, and sleep.  Screening, intervention strategies and other related topics grounded in empirical research findings and case studies are included in this 3-hour training. This course is also included in the Trauma-Informed Care Webinar Package.

1. Define executive function and learn about its building blocks and various dimensions.
2. List red flag indicators, warning signs, and consequences of executive function deficits.
3. Identify how toxic stress, adversity, and complex trauma can impede the development of executive function.
4. List ways to promote and develop executive function skills in younger individuals exposed to trauma.
5. Define the benefits of executive function.

Course Information

• Target Audience: intermediate- to advanced-level OTs, COTAs, SLPs, teachers, and other 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: 20-799291

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Sensational Brain LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity ID# 02366. This distance-learning, independent format is offered at 0.3 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, is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. He is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies and the Editor-in-Chief of Forensic Scholars Today. Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations on topics related to Autism Spectrum Disorder; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; confabulation, suggestibility, trauma, and other life adversities; traumatic brain injury; and youth firesetting. He has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Other Health Disabilities, and Traumatic-Brain Injuries. Jerrod has also conducted over 200 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. 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. Currently, He is pursuing a graduate certificate in Neuropsychology from Ball State University with an anticipated date of graduation of fall 2022. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters and recently co-edited Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf, MA. 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.

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