Trauma and Learning: The Impact on Executive Functioning
   Cara McGlynn, MSW, LICSW
   January 2023
Session Overview:
• Trauma and Traumatic Stress
• Early Development of Executive Functioning and Impact of Trauma
• Executive Functioning, Education, and Supporting Traumatized Youth
• Trauma Informed Practices to Support Student’s Executive Functioning Skills
The 3 E’s of Trauma
• Event (or series of Events)
• Experience
• Effect 
 -The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Toxic Stress
TOO MUCH, FOR TOO LONG
Early Development of Executive Functioning
• Working Memory: Governs our ability to retain and manipulate distinct pieces of information over short periods of time. 
• Mental flexibility: Helps us to sustain or shift attention in response to different demands or to apply different rules in different settings. 
• Self-control: Enables us to set priorities and resist impulsive actions or responses.
Foundation for School Readiness & Academic Success
• Working Memory = storing crucial task information, ability to follow instructions, & task completion
• Mental flexibility = Switch between task demands, navigate stimuli, & creativity
• Self-control = Determination, perseverance, & impulse control
The Impact of Trauma on Executive Functioning Skills
   Increased Risk
   (arrow pointed up)
   Decreased Achievement 
   (arrow pointed down)
What Can We Do?
   Relationships
Trauma Informed Strategies to Develop Skills
• Working Memory
• Mental flexibility
• Self-control
   PLAY
Special Situations
• Head Injury 
• Dissociation
Thank you!
   Cara McGlynn, MSW, LICSW
   cmcglynn@916schools.org
   651-415-5426