Description
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.
Learning Outcomes
- Define executive function and learn about its building blocks and various dimensions.
- List red flag indicators, warning signs, and consequences of executive function deficits.
- Identify how toxic stress, adversity, and complex trauma can impede the development of executive function.
- List ways to promote and develop executive function skills in younger individuals exposed to trauma.
- Define the benefits of executive function.
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
Learning Assessment: Objective post-test
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.
Sensational Brain LLC is also an educational provider for CE Broker. This course code is 20-799291.
Additional Resources
♦ Information on refunds and returns
♦ Continuing education policies and procedures, course completion requirements, special needs request, complaint policy, and more
♦ Questions? Email celeste@sensationalbrain.com.