Trauma and Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Assessment, Treatment, and Triage

In this chapter, we outline tips for gathering critical history and creating safety and trust during the assessment of a traumatized child with co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders. Particular emphasis is placed on balancing the science and craft of child assessment, using psychometrically sound and precise tools while also being attuned and sensitive to a child’s readiness to disclose and managing possible distress and posttraumatic re-experiencing during an evaluation.