Trauma Informed Early Intervention: Practical Application

This course explores the scope of medical trauma families identified for early intervention services and discusses the unique role of physical therapists in intervening. Adverse childhood events, such as neonatal intensive care unit experiences, can adversely affect multiple areas of infant development. Pediatric medical traumatic stress can impact every family member, causing physical and psychological complications with potentially long-lasting deficits. A recent systematic review estimates that 10-22% of parents and up to 42% of children suffer from moderate to severe PTMS. Primary symptoms include avoidance of trauma reminders, which may significantly affect parental engagement with therapeutic interventions. The resulting impact on the family can decrease maternal bonding, which is directly linked to delayed motor development, sleep, and attachment. New research by the presenters highlights the impact of early identification on caregiver stress levels. Trauma-informed care promotes resilience as therapists partner with families to reduce the secondary effects of PMTS. Early intervention physical therapists are uniquely positioned to identify early signs of trauma, employ strategies to support paternal resilience and bonding and recognize red flags for mental health referral. PTs and PTAs will learn communication and hands-on techniques to navigate early intervention settings.