Trauma and kids
I am often asked by adults how to tell if a child has been traumatized by an event. The main factor in determining if a child has been traumatized is how the child has interpreted and coped with the event not necessarily the event itself. I have seen children that have witnessed horrific events and yet seem to be functioning and feeling well. Other times, children adjusting to typical life changes (a move, a new sibling, school change etc…) seem to be in significant distress.
Here are some common signs of trauma from Trauma in the Lives of Children by Kendall Johnson, PhD.:
PRESCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN
REACTIONS TO TRAUMA
-Withdrawal
-Denial of facts and memories, avoidance of certain issues, ignoring certain people or conditions
-Thematic play, play that is ritualistic, re-enactments of events, fascinations of themes in books or television, art reflects trauma
-Anxious attachment to parents or objects, increased tantrums (since tantrums are normal at this age, change in frequency or intensity is most affected)
-Specific fears of situations or objects Ex: Sudden avoidance of the playground, refusal to read part of a story, afraid to go to sleep
-Regression, acting like a baby, sucking thumb, curled up in fetal position, seems to be searching for comfort
-Sleep and appetite disturbances
-Nightmares
YOUNG SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN
REACTIONS TO TRAUMA
-Withdrawal
-Performance decline (school, sports, or hobbies)
-Fantasy play that denies or reverses traumatic event (Ex: killing the perpetrator)
-Obsessive talking about event, repeated in written work, art, or verbally
-Avoidance of certain places, people
-Discrepancy in mood, exhibit feelings that are inappropriate to the situation
-Behavior changes or problems trying to relieve anxiety, get attention, or sort out troubling information
-Elaborate re-enactments of events through play
-Psychosomatic complaints- headaches, stomachaches (very real or imagined)
-Sleep and appetite disturbances
-Nightmares
If your child has any of these symptoms, therapy may benefit him/her. Please feel free to contact us for a free phone consultation. If we can’t help you, we will help you find someone who can!
