b'Trauma in childhood can take many forms, FadellDisorder (ODD), or not addressed at all. I know the Brain commented.Just the very act of a child being removedInjury Alliance offers complimentary support to all families from their home, even if it is not meeting needs, can bewith questions about a known or suspected brain injury. traumatizing. Then when you add perhaps food insecurity,They offer everything for referrals to specialists to assistance physical or sexual abuse, death of a caregiver, it can reallyto families dealing with the emotional and social impact of start to impact brain function and be a barrier to futuregrowing up with a brain injury.success if not addressed. Dr. Seeley wants to reinforce the reality of foster chil-Dr. Seeley describes childhood trauma as a spectrumdrens trauma as brain injury, as well as letting people know that can vary. Even when severe, for Isaiah and others whoabout available resources. She feels there is room to provide have experienced trauma, there is reason to feel hopeful.parental awareness on the symptoms and signs of brain Fortunately, the brain is malleable; new pathways andinjury because it can be so difficult to diagnose, as well as connections can be formed, and when coupled with theeducation and prevention.correct medical care, things like mindfulness, meditation,She is extremely optimistic about achieving that aware-and music therapy can work wonders, explains Dr. See- ness. The Brain Injury Alliance has made tremendous ley. When coupled with the correct medical care, thingsinroads reaching those in need, as well as their families and like mindfulness, meditation and music therapy can workcaregivers.With the proper partnerships and community wonders. support, they can extend that understanding and assistance She cites Isaiahs (now 12) developmental success andto foster children and all of those seeking to support and higher IQ, due in large part to music through piano les- help them.sons as well as tutoring.For some who have experiencedDr. Seeley urges Arizona foster and adoptive parents to a possible brain injury, it can be difficult to know where toconsider the Brain Injury Alliance as a go-to resource. She start. She feels the key to getting the correct treatment oftenlooks forward to a productive year on the Brain starts with the correct diagnosis. Too often, brain injuryInjury Alliance Advisory Council. After all, this is misdiagnosed as ADHD, autism, Oppositional Defianceisnt just her passion, its her mission.11 The Noggin | 2020vol 5issue 1'