The Classroom through the Lens of Trauma

–by Janyne McConnaughey, Ph.D. The doctor my parents took me to was wise beyond his era. He said, “She seems to be a bit anxious about school. Maybe it would help to keep her home for a week.” My first-grade report card proves that his advice was taken. In the midst of almost perfect attendance, […]

Educating Traumatized Children Summit – 2017 – Sign Up Today!

Join us May 1-5 for 18 audio interviews with experts in the Trauma-Informed Schools Movement. Register to Listen for FREE here. Speakers include: Dr. Ross Greene, creator of Collaborative & Proactive Solutions; author of Lost in School and The Explosive Child Dr. Robert Hull, Trauma-informed School psychologist & educator Heather Forbes, LCSW, founder of Beyond […]

Smart and strong

by:  Lorraine Fuller My son told me once that the reason he lies and breaks rules is because he is testing the person. He will do things that seem to make no sense, tell lies that get him into trouble, or steal inconsequential things. If a teacher tells him to write his name on the top […]

Nutrition

A bunch of apples - nutritional approach

Many parents report their children finding relief and their behaviors improving if nutritional changes are made or vitamins and supplements are added to the child’s daily regime. Some have used protocols usually prescribed for children with autism, ADHD or other neurological disabilities. Child Diagnostics/Dianne Craft is a website that describes the use of nutrition and supplements […]

Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)

MRI of the Brain - Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT)

This approach to therapy of maltreated children is being developed by Dr. Bruce Perry, a leading expert in early childhood trauma. Dr. Perry and the staff at Child Trauma Academy in Texas have created a “developmentally sensitive, neurobiologically informed approach to clinical work.” This approach is based on what Dr. Perry knows about brain development, which includes […]

Being Investigated? Be Prepared.

Manager’s note: Altogether too many families raising traumatized kids have been investigated on false charges of abuse or neglect. This might be triggered a school retaliating against a family advocating for their challenging child, an ignorant bystander, or even the child himself. Not that it really matters who starts it. The point is, families needs […]

What is FASD?

Young man talking with a therapist - What is FASD?

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual who was prenatally exposed to alcohol. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with lifelong implications. FASD is not a diagnostic term used by clinicians. Instead it refers to the range of effects […]

Medication

Medication

There is NO medication specifically for RAD, attachment difficulties or trauma. However, ATN does not discourage the use of medications. Many families have found that medications help to treat symptoms and lessen anxiety, intrusive thoughts and behaviors in such a way that the child is better able to benefit from therapies and other interventions. Parents should seek […]

Neuro-Based Approaches

Neuro-Based Approaches

One of the fastest-evolving areas of promising interventions for traumatized/attachment-disordered children in the area of neuroscience approaches. These approaches are based on the premise of brain plasticity; that is, the research that shows the brain is able to continue growing, changing and developing throughout a person’s life. These approaches target the brain’s chemical, electrical and structural by […]