2 Group Sup & ACEs / PACES / Child Dev

Why should therapists understand child development even if working with older youth?

Early development shapes later functioning.

What is co-regulation?

Caregivers helping children manage emotions until they develop self-regulation.

Why is co-regulation important?

It is the foundation for later self-regulation.

By what age is most language formation established?

Around age 3.

What type of directions should a young child be able to follow?

2–3 step instructions.

By age 3, how many sentence conversations should children typically manage?

2–3 sentence conversations.

By age 4, what language milestone often emerges?

Telling stories.

What utensil skill is expected around 24 months?

Eating with a fork.

What utensil skill is expected around 36 months?

Using a spoon without spilling.

Name one early independence skill for ages 2–5.

Serving self or washing hands independently.

What are fine motor skills?

Small muscle tasks like zippers, beads, tracing, unbuttoning.

What major event harmed fine motor development for many children?

COVID-related missed preschool experiences.

Name one gross motor milestone for young children.

Kicking a ball, climbing, catching a ball, or standing on one foot.

Why do missed physical milestones matter socially?

They can affect self-esteem and peer relationships.

What tool do pediatricians use during well-child visits to assess development?

Ages and Stages assessments.

Why are pediatric well-child visits useful collaboration points?

They regularly assess developmental milestones.

Why should therapists be cautious with quick ADHD labels?

Symptoms may reflect trauma or other issues.

How can hearing loss affect development?

It can delay language development.

When do learning disabilities often become noticeable?

When milestones or school expectations are missed.

What communication condition was highlighted in training?

Stuttering/stammering.

Name one school factor that affects achievement.

Class size, rigor, representation, or expectations.

Why are many teachers exhausted?

High demands with limited support staff.

What percentage of the school year is 18 missed days?

10%.

Why is chronic absenteeism serious in elementary school?

Students may miss learning to read.

What may happen after repeated absences?

DSS involvement or court mandates.

What does IEP stand for?

Individualized Education Plan.

What do IEPs provide?

Accommodations/support for disabilities or health needs.

Why is guardian involvement important?

It strongly improves student success.

Why use the term “guardian” instead of “parent”?

Many children are raised by relatives other than parents.

If a child misses milestones, what lens should therapists use?

Biopsychosocial assessment.

Name one factor to assess when milestones are delayed.

Medical issues, self-esteem, home environment, safety, resources, frustration, caregiver meaning-making.

Why assess neighborhood and school environment?

Context influences development and behavior.

Name one warning sign of possible concern.

Frequent bathroom breaks, soiling, inappropriate touching, sexualized talk, boundary confusion.

Why ask about screen access?

Children may be exposed to harmful content.

What legal report may be required between students?

Title IX report.

What should therapists do when unsure about boundaries?

Consult supervisors.

What was recommended for ages 5–6 regarding screens?

Minimal to no screen time.

How did COVID-related screen increases affect many children?

Reduced fine motor and social development.

Why might some children watch scary content?

To gain time/connection with parents.

Why may milestones look different across families?

Culture shapes rituals, communication, and expectations.

How can culture influence development?

Fine motor tasks, language use, and social engagement.

Can schools tolerate discrimination based on identity?

No.

Why is school policy implementation sometimes confusing?

Political climate and changing regulations.

What risk do schools face for noncompliance?

Loss of funding or lawsuits.

How can therapists help despite limits?

Advocate within legal parameters.

How many questions are on the ACEs assessment?

10.

What age range do ACEs refer to?

Experiences before age 18.

Name the three ACE categories.

Abuse, neglect, household dysfunction.

What ACE score level is linked to higher health risks?

Four or more ACEs.

Name one risk associated with 4+ ACEs.

Smoking, alcohol misuse, suicidal ideation.

Can ACE scores decrease over time?

No.

Should therapists ask children directly about their ACE score?

No.

Why not all ACEs equal trauma?

People experience adversity differently.

Name one adversity not included in the original ACEs.

Community violence, food scarcity, poor housing, disasters.

What is the focus beyond trauma screening?

Building protective factors.

Name one protective factor.

Unconditional love, best friend, helping others, sports, groups, hobbies.

Why is helping others therapeutic?

Giving can promote healing.

What school outcome was linked with protective factors?

Higher test scores.

What does the meadow metaphor explain?

Repeated trauma creates stronger neural pathways.

What can trigger trauma responses later?

Smells, sounds, tastes, touch, sensory reminders.

Why avoid repeatedly digging into trauma details?

It may strengthen trauma pathways.

What should therapy focus on instead?

Protective factors and solutions.

What was described as a powerful healing tool?

Imagination.

Why encourage storytelling and creative play?

They support trauma healing.

What does EMDR stand for?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

What can EMDR help reduce?

Emotional intensity tied to traumatic memories.

Why are recess and arts valuable?

They support emotional regulation and healing.

Why are after-school programs important?

They build connection, activity, and protective factors.

Why collaborate with pediatricians?

To share developmental concerns and support health.

What school plans support struggling students besides IEPs?

504 plans or alternative schools.

How can principals and student service staff help?

They can problem-solve barriers.

How can therapists be change agents?

Help children access resources and supports.

Why include movement materials in therapy spaces?

To build fine/gross motor skills while engaging therapeutically.