Research highlights that marginalized youths of color in America are disproportionately affected by trauma, including historical and generational trauma, immigration stressors, violence, racism, and discrimination. These experiences often lead to higher rates of adverse childhood experiences, negatively impacting their lifelong health. In school settings, complex trauma and serious emotional disturbances (SED) faced by these youths are frequently misdiagnosed or mislabeled as disabilities, resulting in harsh discipline, stigma, and restrictive environments.
The presentation addressed three key areas: 1) factors contributing to the mental health crisis among youths, 2) distinctions between trauma responses and SED in marginalized youths, and 3) strategies schools can implement to prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate labeling.
