Course Overview
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD affects people differently and may influence their thoughts, emotions, physical responses, behaviour, relationships and ability to participate in everyday activities. Support workers may notice signs such as heightened alertness, avoidance, sleep difficulties, emotional distress, difficulty concentrating or strong reactions to particular environments and situations.
This course helps disability support workers understand PTSD and provide safe, respectful and trauma-informed support. Workers will learn how to recognise possible signs of distress, identify triggers without making assumptions, communicate calmly, support emotional and physical safety, offer meaningful choice and respond appropriately when concerns arise. The course also explains professional boundaries, documentation, escalation procedures and the importance of working within the participant’s support plan and the worker’s scope of practice.