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Interventions for Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders in Preschool-Aged Children

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Abstract

The phenomenon of a Trauma-and Stressor Related Disorder masquerading as an Autism Spectrum Disorder seems poorly understood by the majority of primary caregivers, teachers, doctors, and therapists, who are the very persons responsible for identifying kids at risk for ASDs and TSRDs. There is a sense of urgency instilled in pediatricians to provide early detection of children at risk for an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and therefore early diagnosis to ensure rapid acquisition of appropriate therapies, and thus potentially optimized developmental outcomes. However, there does not appear to be an equal sense of urgency assigned to the early identification of TSRDs, despite the growing body of evidence substantiating the biological changes that occur in pathologically stressed children, and the evidence-based therapies available to help steer their developmental trajectories towards that of typicality and health. In this chapter, we will explore the components of effective trauma treatment as well as specific interventions that have demonstrated promising results in preschool populations. Where applicable, we will review the evidence regarding the impacts of early trauma and how these evidence-based treatments were designed to address them.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Early Intervention Program, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA

    Kelley Munger

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA

    Elizabeth C. Loi

  3. OHSU Child Development and Rehabilitation Center, Eugene, OR, USA

    Amelia Roth

Authors
  1. Kelley Munger
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  2. Elizabeth C. Loi
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  3. Amelia Roth
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amelia Roth .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Developmental Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Jason M. Fogler

  2. Oregon Health & Science University, Eugene, OR, USA

    Randall A. Phelps

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Munger, K., Loi, E.C., Roth, A. (2018). Interventions for Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders in Preschool-Aged Children. In: Fogler, J., Phelps, R. (eds) Trauma, Autism, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00503-0_7

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