online Course

    Trauma-Informed Support 

    Description:

    This five-module, self-paced course gives frontline supporters a clear, practical understanding of how trauma affects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how to respond in ways that promote safety, healing, and positive identity.

    Featuring expert instruction and storytelling from Dr. Karyn Harvey, the training explains how trauma shapes the brain, drives behavior, and can lead to PTSD in people with IDD. Learners will explore the unique sources of trauma in this population, recognize common trauma responses, and apply proven strategies drawn from positive psychology, grief counseling, and relationship-based support. Through engaging videos, scenarios, and interactive activities, supporters gain the tools they need to reduce incidents, strengthen relationships, and improve quality of life for the people they support.

    Great For:

    Support Coordinators, Intensive Support Coordinators, Planning List Administrators, State Support Coordinators, DSPs.

    Highlights

    • Category: Trauma-Informed Support
    • Duration: 3 Hours
    • 5 Modules

    Learning Objectives

    1. Describe the difference between Big “T” Trauma and Little “t” Trauma. 

    2. Identify unique sources of trauma for individuals with IDD. 

    3. Explain how a trauma-informed lens changes everything .

    1. Describe the roles of the smart brain, emotional brain, and mechanical brain. 

    2. Explain how trauma disrupts normal brain functioning.

    3. Identify the different trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, fawn. 

    4. Recognize the difference between a trauma response and an intentional behavioral response. 

    1. Recognize how PTSD can look in people with IDD.

    2. Explain how trauma can affect identity and behavior over time. 

    3. Utilize strategies to avoid triggering hidden land mines of past trauma. 

    1. Identify the three key ingredients for healing.

    2. Recognize the critical periods in a person’s lifespan when these ingredients matter most. 

    3. Apply practical strategies to help individuals build a strong, positive identity. 

    1. Apply tools that build positive identity. 

    2. Support healing through relationships and grief counseling. 

    3. Use positive psychology to boost well-being. 

    4. Integrate the Happiness Assessment into everyday planning. 

    Modules

    This course is delivered in five self-paced modules, each approximately 30 minutes in length. Learners engage with a rich blend of high-quality instructional media designed to make complex concepts accessible and practical. 

    Each module includes: 

    1. Professionally produced video segments featuring Dr. Karyn Harvey, whose storytelling and expertise bring real-world context and insight to trauma-informed support. 

    2. Interactive scenarios and knowledge checks that reinforce understanding and allow learners to immediately apply key concepts. 

    3. Engaging visuals, animations, and illustrations that simplify challenging material and maintain learner attention. 

    4. Practical strategies and tools that supporters can use right away in their daily work. 

    5. The course structure supports flexible, on-demand learning while ensuring a consistently engaging and impactful experience for all participants. 

    Synopsis by Module

    1. Sexual abuse 

    2. Physical abuse 

    3. Bullying 

    4. Institutionalization 

    5. Neglect 

    6. Effects of neglect and in utero substance exposure 

    1. Overview of the brain’s structure: amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex

    2. How trauma disrupts normal brain functioning

    3. The role of the stress response system (fight, flight, freeze)

    1. Biological impact of Trauma 

    2. Symptoms of PTSD as they often manifest in people with IDD 

    3. Impact of sexual abuse 

    1. The Keys Ingredients to Healing 

    2. Critical periods of development in the lifespan 

    3. Positive Identity Development 

    1. Tools for Positive Identity Development 

    2. Positive Identity and Relationships 

    3. Grief Counseling and Positive Identity Development 

    4. Positive Psychology and the Happiness Worksheet 

    5. Use of Happiness Assessment Tool 

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