Individuals with disabilities experience approximately 75% of trauma exposure, making trauma-informed service delivery essential to ethical and effective practice (Scott et al., 2012). Exposure to traumatic events can significantly affect an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Although trauma-informed care frameworks are supported across healthcare and educational literature, integration within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) remains limited. Current gaps include increased knowledge of the impact of trauma as well as identifying appropriate assessments and incorporating ABA strategies during intervention planning. This presentation proposes a structured framework to increase effective strategies and reduce re-traumatization, using evidence-based behavioral strategies. The objective is to enhance client safety, reduce re-traumatization, and improve socially significant outcomes and quality of life.

1. Define and describe the impact of trauma
2. Identify and familiarized yourself with at least two assessments to support the need for Trauma Informed Care
3. Describe or list effective ABA strategies to incorporate in Trauma Informed Care

About the Presenter

Christina Russell

Christina Russell is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst who has been serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for 12 years. Christina received her certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University in August 2019, her master’s in Severe Special Needs from Simmons University in August of 2018, and her Bachelors degree in Psychology from Westfield State University in May of 2013. Christina currently holds the role of Regional Clinical Director (RCD) for ABA Centers helping to support the Mid-Atlantic division and New England division. As an RCD, she oversees and ensures clinical quality and operational performance, ethical compliance, performance outcomes, and overseeing complex case reviews. Additionally, she leads and mentors Clinical Directors to promote high-quality and client-centered service delivery. Further, Christina has specialized in topics such as trauma informed care, severe behaviors, and toilet training. Christina is a full member of the Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis (BABAT).