Distressed or Deliberately Defiant?: Managing challenging student behaviour due to trauma and disorganised attachment

by Dr Judith Howard

It is not unusual for educators today, whether in the early childhood, primary or secondary sectors, to be confronted with severely challenging student behaviour ― students who fly into unexplained violent and oppositional outbursts with little warning; who respond poorly to tried-and-true behaviour management processes. Such behaviour has considerable impact on the delivery of teaching and learning programs and the emotional wellbeing of the teachers themselves as well as raising safety risks for the entire school community. This book explains the basis for such behaviour as the neurological, physiological and behavioural outcomes of “disorganised attachment” due to prolonged exposure to a traumatic home life and provides practical advice to educators on ways that schools can effectively manage these students. By examining the science behind attachment theory, the neurobiology of behaviour, and the manifestation of disorganised attachment in the school context, this book will help educators minimise such challenging behaviour, manage crises and disciplinary responses such as suspension and expulsion, improve student compliance, enhance education and overall wellbeing, deal with parents.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

104 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[Catherine Lutvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been to a couple of Judith Howard’s PD sessions on managing challenging student behaviour due to trauma and learned so many practical ideas. What I loved about this book is that Judith provided clear information backed by research in neuroscience that impacts on students’ behaviour. I gained an excellent understanding of trauma and attachment-related issues that schools need to be aware of when implementing policies and interacting with individual students.

The second half of the book had specific examples of research-supported behaviour management approaches. The case studies and explicit strategies outlined in this book makes me feel like I can go away from reading this book and immediately implement some essential strategies in my classroom.

[Jack Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb insight into the minds of some children and how their surroundings can impact and influence

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read for educators. It is short and concise. It offers a clear, but brief overview of trauma, how it effects a child’s brain, how this manifests as behavior at school, and strategies for managing it.

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A informative and quick read about the needs of students presenting in classrooms with challenging behaviour due to trauma. I'll most remember this book for discussing the needs for a quiet and consistently calm approach to students demonstrating such behaviour and that relationship building is the key to success for teachers.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clear and well presented outline of the impact of trauma on young people and strategies that can be applied in schools to support them.

[T. Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great succinct read on neurophysiological effects of early childhood trauma on cognitive and adaptive functioning. would be a good read to rec for teachers and possibly use as a training guide

[Alice Dowden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction into why we need trauma informed education.

[J Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched and human response to children with severe trauma in schools.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding text for any person working in a school system. I recently attended a workshop on this exact topic- childhood trauma, its affect on the brain and consequent behaviour of the child, specifically in the context of the school environment. This short book reinforced and consolidated everything presented in that workshop. It is essential to understand 'the science' behind the behaviour if you are to have any chance of helping the child. Traditional strategies simply do not work for them. This book is essential reading for every educator.

[Linda_pilko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valuable read for all educators.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing read! I couldn't put it down. Definitely a helpful and eye opening read about the backgrounds some students face. Recommended for every teacher!