Dawna Wellhauser

Listening to your students and understanding their reasons for attending class as well as their fears will enable you to find support and resources for them. It is important to take into consideration the diversity of your students and find ways for them to relate to each other. Creating an environment where they can share knowledge with each other. 

I learned that having a strong, consistent routine within the classroom will help students with PTSD feel more comfortable and relaxed in a potentially stressful environment.  It is good to keep the classroom tidy and keep all pathways clear of obstructions. A clear escape route will help them feel more comfortable. I also learned that it is important to build rapport with the students and foster respect on both sides.

I learned that there are more people with learning disabilities than I knew. It is good to know who is in charge of student support services and 504's so that I will be able to get students the help they need.

I learned that even though they can have similar symptoms, PTSD is a mental disorder and TBI is a neurological disorder. Many people with PTSD also have a TBI. Both are hard to live with. PTSD can make someone anti-social while a TBI can result in social interactions being strained and relationships falling away.

PTSD is a condition that is caused by significant trauma that causes stress in the individual experiencing it. It can present as anxiety, inability to sleep, depression, trouble breathing, and panic. As well as it can cause psychological issues like inability to concentrate, bursts of anger and a general inability to function in society.

People with PTSD struggle to maintain relationships and consistent work. They may have low self-esteem and continually fail to succeed. Children with PTSD can carry that trauma into adulthood and struggle their whole life.

People who have experienced PTSD can become withdrawn from society and afraid… >>>