When Nightmare is Real: Trauma in Child &Adolesc

(4 Credits)

Every childhood is fraught with complications, but some children are exposed to traumatic experiences that have a lasting impact on their development and health. More than three million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported in the United States annually, in addition to the many more cases that go unreported. This course examines the neurobiological and psychological effects of trauma on children, adolescents, and their families. We investigate the impact of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse and neglect, war, terrorism, natural disasters, bereavement, and medical illness. In addition, we explore the concepts of vulnerability and resilience to discover the protective and risk factors that affect child outcomes following trauma exposure. Finally, we discuss the treatment modalities commonly employed with traumatized children, adolescents, and their families.