Early Warning Signs. Presented by Beth K. Peterson, MSW, LICSW

Transcription

1 Early Warning Signs Presented by Beth K. Peterson, MSW, LICSW

2 Agenda Why this training? What is mental health? How do mental health disorders and trauma impact student learning? What are key warning signs and symptoms? What are accommodations you can do?

3 Why this training? Department of Education requires teachers to receive training in key warning signs of early-onset mental illness. New requirement is at least one hour on suicide prevention best practices during renewal period. Subsequent trainings can include more in-depth training on mental illness, accommodations, parents role in addressing students mental illness, FASD, autism, de-escalation methods, etc.

4 University of Minnesota video What is mental health?

5 Mental health Optimum mental health Focus on symptoms/warning signs Some warning signs are related to poor coping skills/supports. Serious mental illness No mental illness Poor mental health

6 Educational Implications Difficulty completing work May blurt out answers before teacher can finish asking the question May lose books, supplies, and homework Difficult to discipline Difficulty understanding assignments, remembering and/or concentrating

7 Educational Implications (continued) Impairment in social and academic functioning Challenge class rules Refuse to participate in group projects Poor concentration Lack energy and drive necessary to complete assignments/homework

8 Warning signs Mood Disorders - Depression/Bipolar Disorder Anxiety Disorders GAD, OCD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Phobia, ADHD Autism Spectrum Disorder Eating Disorders Conduct Disorder/Oppositional Defiant Disorder Schizophrenia

9 Depression Warning Signs Defiant or disruptive behavior Sleeping in class Excessive tardiness/absences Refusal to participate in activities Not turning in homework Isolating, quiet Lack of energy/motivation Failing grades Refusal to do school work Inability to concentrate Forgetfulness Talk of death/suicide Overreaction to criticism Irritability

10 Bipolar Disorder Warning Signs Irritability Episodes of sadness Feeling worthless/guilty Talking a lot Explosive, lengthy rages Hyperactivity Overly silly/joyful mood unusual for the student Impaired judgment/impulsivity Risk-taking behaviors Inflated self-esteem or grandiose belief in abilities (rock star)

11 Anxiety Disorders Warning Signs Frequent absences Refusal to join social activities Isolating behavior Physical complaints Excessive worry about homework or grades Frequent bouts of tears Frequent trips to the bathroom Low frustration tolerance Irritability Dizziness Shortness of breath Fear of new situations Tension Repeated erasing, checking Repeated counting, retracing, touching

12 ADHD/inattentive-hyperactivity Short attention spans Problems with organization Difficulty paying attention Easily distracted Trouble listening Forgetful; frequently losing things Perceived as immature, annoying Fidget and squirm; on-the-go Can be poor sports, bossy Difficulty staying seated Runs around/climbs excessively Trouble playing quietly Talk too much/blurt out answers Interrupts/trouble taking turns

13 Autism Spectrum Disorder Warning Signs Isolate from peers Considered odd by other students Clumsy or awkward gait Difficulty with sports Repetitive pattern of behavior Problem with time & spatial awareness Preoccupation with one or two subjects or activities Under/over sensitive to stimuli like noise, light or touch Often misses social nuances Few facial expressions Obsessions

14 Eating Disorders Warning Signs Concerned about eating in public Hiding food Avoiding snacks Refusing to eat or lying about how much was eaten Throwing up after meals Increased anxiety about weight Inflexible thinking Feeling cold all of the time Dizziness, fainting, fatigue, weakness Irritability Depressed mood Controlled emotional expression

15 Conduct Disorder/ODD Warning Signs Bullying or threatening other students Chronic truancy/poor attendance Noncompliance History of detentions Lack of empathy/remorse Blames others for poor performance Low self-esteem masked by bravado Lying, stealing, destruction of property Thrill-seeking Insensitive to punishment Physical fights

16 Warning signs for Schizophrenia Confused thinking Bizarre thoughts/ideas Hallucinations Delusions Severe anxiety and fearfulness Extreme moodiness, agitation Severe problems making & keeping friends Feelings that people are hostile and out to get them Disorganized speech Lack of motivation Poor memory

17 Now what? When you see something, say something. Check in with the student use I statements; only state observable behaviors or what you ve read do not make assumptions. If student confirms suspicions, talk to them about next steps. No secrets! If student denies, still talk to your support team. Have others observe. Follow lead of support team, ask for follow up.

18 Accommodations for Mood Disorders Reduce stress & environmental stimulation. Encourage daily check-ins and decrease work demands as needed. Use non-judgmental terms for feedback. Make rules few, clear, consistent, and stated in the positive. Allow students to contract for flexible deadline. Reassure students that can make progress/catch-up on missed work. Students with depressive disorder see all good/all bad. Remind them of accomplishments when you believe they are in a low spot or had a bad day.

19 Accommodations for Anxiety Disorders Allow for flexible deadline for worrisome assignments. Check to see student wrote down assignment correctly. Post daily schedule so students know what to expect. Reduce school work load or homework when possible. Encourage student attendance; allow time for transitions. Maintain regular communication with parents; what works at home. Redirect behavior versus using consequences.

20 Accommodations for ADHD When giving instructions/tasks, break them into steps. Have a code to help student recognize that he/she is off-task. If the classroom rule is to listen when others are talking, some students will need to be taught the skills necessary to listening. Allow students to move within reason. Give them tasks to get them out of their seats. Ask parents what works at home.

21 Accommodations for ASD Consult with a occupational therapist to identify ways to handle a student s sensory needs. Foster a climate of understanding and tolerance in the classroom. Learn usual triggers and signs of melt-down to intervene before control is lost. Help students learn self-calming techniques. Use checklists, schedules, visual schedules. Avoid long verbal instruction. Teach students to look at forehead of speaker if eye contact is too difficult.

22 Accommodations for Eating Disorders Stress acceptance in your classroom; successful people come in all shapes and sizes. Watch what you say, What have you eaten today? or I wish I had that problem. are not helpful. Stress progress, not perfection. Helps students develop sense of identity based on strengths not appearance. Reduce stress where possible regarding assignments.

23 Accommodations for ODD/Conduct Disorder Make sure curriculum is at appropriate level. Too hard=frustrating; too easy=bored. Be aware of your non-verbal communication. Remain respectful, calm, detached. Avoid power struggles. Give students options. This or that. Structure activities so student is not always last one picked or is left out.

24 Accommodations for Schizophrenia This disorder is so complex; necessary to meet with family, medical providers, mental health providers to provide information specific to that student and how best to develop the learning environment, as well as understand that student s symptoms and needs. Encourage other students to be kind and to extend friendship. Set realistic academic and extra-curricular activity goals. Focus on the students strengths that can be used to increase learning.

25 Any Questions? Thank you for coming! 15 minute break before next session.

26 Resources MN Association for Children s Mental Health PACER Center MN-NAMI 2016 Children s Mental Health Report, Child Mind Institute.