Trauma's Impact on Life Skills and the Informed OT Practioner

Trauma’s Impact on Life Skills and the Informed OTP Sixty-six percent of adults report one adverse childhood experience (ACE) with 20% reporting three or more, and one in six reporting four or more. ACEs were highest among women (Swedo et al., 2023). Specifically, thirty percent of women are victims of violent acts and are twice as likely to develop PTSD than men (WHO, 2024). The effects of trauma are one of the largest health crises facing society today, markedly impacting daily functioning (SAMHSA, 2023). These individuals are seen in all areas of OT practice, requiring all OTPs to acquire knowledge and skills beyond the generalist education provided by most academic programs (Lynch et al., 2021). This training is designed to prepare OTPs to recognize and respond to the needs of these clients, with special emphasis on women’s health issues. It will include an overview of polyvagal theory and transition to engaged learning activities related to clinical application. In doing so, participants will identify signs of dysregulation in adult clients and explore regulation strategies tailored to the autonomic nervous system's hierarchical needs. We will examine and reflect on the impact of trauma on the development of life skills and review trauma-informed interventions that support holistic healing and functional improvement. Life skills impacted by trauma and addressed in this training include: finances, clutter and organization, nutrition, sleep, pain management, and others. By the end of the training, participants will be equipped with practical tools to augment their therapeutic interventions. This conference proposal seeks to inspire attendees to grow in their understanding of trauma and its functional impact. The goal is to foster better client outcomes through a deeper understanding of autonomic regulation and trauma-informed care as applied to life skill development. I aspire to support others in creating a space for clients to move beyond the confines of their trauma histories and thrive. Lynch, A., Ashcraft, R., & Tekell, L. (Eds.), (2021). Trauma, occupation, and participation:Foundations and population considerations in occupational therapy. American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (2023). A practical guide for implementing atrauma-informed approach. https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep23-06-05-005.pdf Swedo, E. A., Aslam, M. V., Dahlberg, L. L., Holditch Niolon, P., Guinn, A. S., Simon, T. R., Mercy,J. A. (2023). Prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among U.S. adults: Behavioral risk factor surveillance system, 2011–2020. CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72(26),707–715. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7226a2 World Health Organization [WHO] (2024). Violence against women. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women     OTPs will identify dysregulation in adult clients and implement strategies tailored to the autonomic nervous system. The focus is on the impact of trauma on life skill development and evidence-based interventions from a women’s health perspective.