Assessing Children: Autism, ADHD or Trauma?

Many traumatised children present with symptoms similar to autism (for example difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication skills and repetitive patterns of behaviour), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (for example the inability to concentrate, hyperactivity and impulsiveness). This presents a challenge to those assessing and working with these children: how can one determine whether the child’s presentation relates to trauma, ADHD or autism? What implications does this have for the child’s needs and management? What implications does a misdiagnosis have?

This one day workshop is for professionals who assess and/or provide ongoing support to children presenting with symptoms of autism and ADHD, and who wish to learn more about the role trauma may play in a child’s presentation.

This workshop will help you:

• Identify the range of traumatic events which may have an impact on a child’s development
• Understand the ways in which trauma can affect child’s ability to concentrate and relate to others
• Incorporate a focus on trauma in your assessments
• Identify approaches to management that would optimise the outcomes for children
• Access further resources

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Describe the range of traumatic events which may have an impact on a child’s development
• Discuss the ways in which trauma can effect a child’s ability to concentrate and relate to others
• Demonstrate the ability to consider trauma in assessments
• Identify approaches to management that would optimise the outcomes for children
• Explain how to access further resources

Who should attend?

Workers from child protection, early intervention, and child and adolescent mental health services