Charting the Cs 2024
Charting the Cs: Cooperation, Communication and Collaboration.
Statewide Professional Development to Support the Workforce and Low Incidence Disability Areas.
Identifying the Need - Communication
Lori Vigesaa, MS, LPCC, NCC, CI/CT - Clinical Supervisor of the Therapeutic Services Agency’s DHHB Program
Chelsea Paulson, MA, MSAD DHH Outreach Specialist
This presentation will be done in ASL. Voice interpreter will be provided, if needed.
Agenda
We will be covering these topics in ASL: 
What is Normal Development
Verbal/Signed Communication
Nonverbal Communication 
Questions to Ask Yourselves as a Professional 
For ASL CEUs, we acknowledge that this is a “meaty content” - so we ask you to ask us if you need repeat, or clarification on sign choices.
We are providing the content in Deaf Culture to count toward ASL CEUs. 
What is Normal Development? 
Five factors of a normal development: 
Physical
Neural
Cognitive 
Emotional 
Behavioral
Diagnosis at Birth
Impacts of illnesses, syndromes, and other congenital deficits
Be aware and watchful at major developmental stages
Ex: Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) - can present as ADHD, but it is not
Diagnosis at Birth
Trauma 
In utero can impact   
Cortisol is released when the mother is under extreme stress
Has been found to impact the developing amygdala in biologically female babies 
Heightened stress reactivity, negative emotionality, and higher levels of internalizing symptoms.
Link to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in children
Neural, Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Development
All of these tend to develop at the same time throughout the lifespan
They are all impacted and throw off typical developmental trajectory by:
Trauma
Experienced before the age of three can cause problems in relationship/bonding with parents and others, foundational development in language, mobility/physical/social skills, and emotional regulation.
Neural, Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Development
Language Deprivation
Delays Theory of Mind development
Toxic Stress can lead to PTSD symptoms
You can have someone with high cognitive abilities, but their perceptions and/or reasoning can be distorted. 
Significant disruption in the family
Trauma
ACEs (5+)
Theory of Mind
Questions to Ask Yourself As A Professional
Is Emotional and/or Behavioral Dysregulation intrusive to academics and/or relationships?
Are you seeing/hearing 
negative self-concept statements 
theory of mind development is delayed
increase in worries/fears
Refusals and/or consistent irritability
Withdrawal and/or isolation from school, activities, or others
Academic decline
Questions to Ask Yourself As A Professional
Do you know if there is past or recent trauma and…
Client is struggling emotionally, behaviorally, or academically
Engaging in risky behaviors
Has anger outbursts 
Thank you!
Chelsea Paulson - chelsea.paulson@msa.state.mn.us 
Lori Vigesaa - lvigesaa@tsapc.net