Adolescence is a period of enormous growth and change where the typically developing teenager has to navigate a growing need for autonomy, a journey of self-discovery and an innate desire and drive to belong.

Considering this, it is clear that the adolescent journey into adult hood is already difficult. Add a history of trauma to the demands and struggles of this developmental stage and the journey becomes increasingly more complex.

Research informs us that over 50% of all children will have experienced a traumatic event by the time they reach adulthood. (Copeland, W.E. et al, 2007) The impact of trauma often leaves the child stuck in a survival loop, diminishing their capacity to regulate their emotions and behaviour. They no longer feel safe. This dramatically reduces their capacity to access learning and the curriculum.

Trauma informed schools promote feelings of physical, social and emotional safety in children. A trauma informed secondary school understands and recognises the impact of trauma on students and their learning and responds to these students in a way that promotes growth and healing.

When we understand challenging behaviour as a possible trauma response, we can meet that behaviour with compassion and connection rather than sanctions and punishment. A trauma informed secondary school will be curious about what has happened to the struggling child rather than being preoccupied with what is wrong with him.

“From Trauma Reactive to Trauma Responsive – Becoming a Responsive Secondary School” is a Webinar to support participants to learn about:

• Typical adolescent development
• The impact of trauma on brain development 
• Compassionate responding to trauma induced behaviours using the C. A.L.M. response
• What a trauma responsive learning environment looks like

Facilitator: Aideen Flynn

Aideen Flynn has worked with children in educational settings for 20 years, starting as a mainstream primary teacher, moving into SEN, working specifically with children with an ASD diagnosis and then with children with complex needs.Aideen is now a child and adolescent psychotherapist helping children, parents and teachers work together to enable the struggling child be the best he or she can be.Aideen is an accredited member of the Irish Association of Playtherapists and Psychotherapists.