Youth in Crisis: The Misdiagnosis and Labeling of Marginalized Youths in Schools

Trauma disproportionately affects marginalized youths of color in America. These trauma experiences may include historical and generational trauma, immigration stressors, natural and manmade disasters, family and/or community violence, racism, and discrimination. Studies show these youths of color may experience adverse childhood experiences at a rate faster than their peers which can negatively impact their health throughout the lifespan. Complex trauma and serious emotional disturbance (SED) concerns that these youths face in the school environment is often misdiagnosed or mislabeled as a disability which can lead to harsh discipline, inappropriate care, stigma, and overly restrictive learning environments.

This presentation, hosted by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, will:

1. Discuss factors that contribute to the mental health crisis in youths.
2. Explore the differences between a trauma response and serious emotional disturbance in marginalized youths.
3. Discuss what schools can do to mitigate the misdiagnosis and labeling of marginalized youth.