ABSTRACT
Challenging behavior impedes learning and disrupts the environment. It bothers other students, frustrates teachers, and uses up classroom time. Students who don’t get the support they need to change their challenging behaviors are more likely to have learning and behavioral problems throughout their school years. A child’s experience of trauma may come from physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment; difficult circumstances at home; foster care or homelessness; prenatal alcohol or drug abuse; immigration experiences; social issues such as racism or misogyny; or even events from previous generations. Fortunately, children’s brains have the ability to repair and recover due to neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to create new neural pathways. The single most important help for children who have experienced trauma is the presence of a caring adult. Adult support not only serves as a protective factor, but it also encourages emotional and cognitive growth. Schools can do much to help students who have experienced trauma, but schools cannot do everything.
