Understanding the ‘Whole Child’: a Multi-Disciplinary and Trauma-Informed Approach to Support Schools
Tracks
Ballroom 2 - In Person Only
| Wednesday, March 20, 2024 |
| 9:45 AM - 10:05 AM |
Overview
Jess Sugarman, Act For Kids
Details
Presentation Key Learnings:
1. To understand the wholistic impact childhood trauma can have on a student's ability to engage in the classroom.
2. To understand strategies to support collaborative goal setting and intervention between therapeutic staff, school, and families.
3. To become familiar with some key trauma informed adjustments that can support students’ participation and connectedness at school.
Speaker
Ms Jess Sugarman
Occupational Therapist
Act For Kids
Understanding the ‘Whole Child’: a Multi-Disciplinary and Trauma-Informed Approach to Support Schools
Abstract
Students who have experienced trauma can have difficulties with school attendance, academic achievement, engagement at school, and school connectedness (Roseby & Gascoigne, 2021). To support the learning and social development of students who have experienced trauma, it is essential that a holistic and systemic therapeutic approach is provided to the student and their school. The Act for Kids Specialist Disability Support in Schools team works collaboratively with schools and students in Brisbane North. This presentation will discuss how our multidisciplinary team (psychologist, occupational therapist and speech pathologist) supports schools to develop a holistic understanding of their students and provide adjustments and recommendations to support the student’s access, participation and engagement at school.
Biography
Jess Sugarman is an occupational therapist that has a passion for supporting young people’s social and emotional development, mental health and facilitating their participation at school. She has worked in a variety of settings including early-childhood education, primary and secondary schools and child and youth mental health. She has a passion for working collaboratively with educators to find strategies to support children and young people to positively connect with the world and learn the skills they need to succeed.
