Expert Advice on Addressing Trauma as an SLP: A Conversation with Beth Bergstrom

Speech-language pathologists are often the first professionals to notice when something about a child’s communication profile does not quite add up. A student may appear inattentive, oppositional, withdrawn, or inconsistent across settings, and it can be difficult to determine whether those behaviors reflect a communication disorder, attention concerns, autism, or something deeper.

Increasingly, research and clinical experience are showing that developmental trauma can shape communication, behavior, and regulation in ways that closely resemble other diagnoses. When trauma responses such as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn are misunderstood, it can lead to misidentification and treatment approaches that do not fully address the child’s needs.

Because this topic is becoming so important for school-based SLPs, we invited Beth Bergstrom, MS, CCC-SLP, Senior Instructor at Eastern Illinois University, to join us in the SLP Impact community to talk about the C.O.P.I.N.G. Framework for identifying and supporting children with developmental trauma. In the short clips below, Beth shares practical insights on differentiating trauma from ASD or ADHD, recognizing patterns of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses, and using these observations to guide evaluation and treatment planning. Take a few minutes to watch these highlights from our conversation, and then scroll down to learn how you can join us for the full session and earn CEUs.

What Should SLPs Look for to Differentiate Between Trauma and ASD, ADHD, or Other Mental Health Disorders?

How Do Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn Responses Show Up in Children and How Do We Identify These Patterns?

How the C.O.P.I.N.G. Framework for Trauma Supports Both Accurate Diagnosis and Practical Intervention Planning for SLPs

Come learn more and earn CEUs!

Check out this course: The C.O.P.I.N.G. Framework for Diagnosis and Treatment of Developmental Trauma

Developmental Trauma, caused by adverse childhood experiences, is often misdiagnosed as disorders such as ASD, ADHD, or mental health concerns and adds another layer of consideration to speech evaluations and treatment plans. By understanding fight, flight, freeze, and/or fawn behaviors specific to a child, we can correctly address the trauma and continue to make progress with communication.

Join Beth Bergstrom, MS, CCC-SLP, a Senior Instructor at Eastern Illinois University as she explains developmental trauma and its overlapping implications for treatment and evaluations. Additionally gain valuable guidance on training families, educators, and other professionals.