Supporting the communication needs of children with complex trauma

How can practitioners support the communication needs of children who have experienced complex trauma? In this episode, speech pathologist Kate Headley shares important considerations and examples from her own practice. While the episode focuses on working with children who have experienced trauma, the approaches discussed align with the principles of neurodivergent-affirming practice and could benefit any child who presents with communication differences.   

Kate has worked extensively across the disability sector in New South Wales. At the time of recording, she was part of a multidisciplinary team at the Links Trauma Healing Service, supporting children living in out-of-home care.  

• Listen to the episode now to learn more about neurodivergent-affirming approaches to working with children with complex trauma or communication differences. 

• Take our Supporting children who have experienced trauma course to learn more about helping children move past feelings of self-blame and hopelessness and uncover their strengths, know-how and stories of resilience. 

Key learnings  

In this episode, you will learn about: 

• the role speech pathologists play in multidisciplinary care teams [2:39]  

• ways to build transparency from your very first interaction with a child or young person [13:30] 

• activities to help children identify their goals and what’s difficult for them [23:42] 

• how to help children feel comfortable to share their opinions [32:10]. 

Further information and resources:  

Responding to complex developmental trauma [podcast episode] 

Towards a comprehensive child mental health system: Exploring data and policy [webinar series] 

How to recognise complex trauma in infants and children and promote wellbeing [webinar] 

Perinatal support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma [webinar]