TPP 323: Educator and Coach Sandi Lerman on Neurodiversity and Developmental Trauma

Over the past few years I’ve seen the word trauma become more and more prevalent in conversations surrounding children, especially differently wired children. So I invited trauma and education expert Sandi Lerman onto the show so we could  talk about exactly what’s going on with our kids — have they or are they experiencing trauma at school? What is developmental trauma? What does trauma look like our children? And how can we respond to and support a child who has experienced trauma? 

In the episode you’re about to listen to, Sandi explains why two kids might internalize an experience differently, how kids’ bodies hold on to trauma, and the relationship between PDA and trauma. Sandi also walks us through the key tenets of her trust-based, connected parenting method in her heart strong system.

About Sandi Lerman

Sandi Lerman, MA Ed. is the Founder and Program Director of Heart-Strong International, a global education company that provides training and coaching programs for parents and teachers of children with developmental trauma and professional graduate-level programs for Trauma-Informed Specialists, Certified Parent Coaches, and Certified Educational Trainers.

Sandi is an educator with over twenty years of classroom teaching experience in K-12, university, and adult education settings, has worked as a parent coach and educator since 2014, and has coordinated two state-wide government and non-profit parenting and community mental health education programs in Indiana.The creator of the HEART-STRONG Model™, Sandi uses trauma-informed coach training and somatic healing practices in her work with adults and those who parent, teach, and take care of children and teens, along with practical tools and strategies to support their growth and success. 

Things you'll learn from this episode

What developmental trauma is

Whether neurodivergent kids are more likely to experience trauma or have their “little t” traumas impact them in more profound ways

Why two different kids might internalize the same experience differently

How are our kids' bodies hold on to trauma and what that looks like

How PDA (pathological demand avoidance) is connected to developmental trauma

Specific modalities are most helpful for recovery for kids who have experienced trauma

What the path toward healing from childhood trauma looks like

Resources mentioned for Neurodiversity and Developmental Trauma

Sandy Lerman’s Heart Strong International website

Heart Strong International on Facebook

Sandi Lerman on LinkTree

Dr. Bruce Perry

Dr. Ross Greene

Dr. Mona Delahooke

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, MD

Somatic Experiencing

EMDR Therapy

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