- The signs of trauma are dependent on a number of factors such as frequency and intensity of exposure, type of trauma exposure, availability of trusting and supportive adults, and age of the child. The ways that young children show that they are experiencing symptoms of trauma are very different than school aged children and youth, and even more different than adults with mental health problems such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
- It is important for those in the early child education field to understand that exposure to trauma impacts development, attachment, and learning
- Here is a short “Brain Builders” video that shows how healthy development can be supported by trusted adults and caregivers and how development can be negatively impacted by traumatic events.
- Here are some common responses to trauma you might see in your work with young children (maybe insert a chart with the information below?) :
- Fear, anxiety, worry
- Change in eating and sleeping
- Difficulty separating from caregiver
- General Regression of skills such as bedwetting
- Reenacting aspects of traumatic event in play
- Here are some common responses to trauma you might see in school-age children:
- Guilt or shame
- Self-blame for traumatic event
- Headache, stomachache
- Nightmares, disturbed sleep
- Difficulty concentrating in school
- Anger outbursts, aggression or withdrawal
- Over or underreact to situations such as loud noises, physical contact or peer interactions
- What does this look like in the school setting?
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, poor appetite and decline in self-care
- Intense feelings of fear, anxiety, and concern for their safety
- Difficulty identifying how they are feeling and controlling their emotional reactions
- Angry or aggressive outbursts
- A desire to withdraw from peers or adults
- A tendency to engage in risk-taking behaviors
- Trouble trusting adults and peers, reading social cues, and building relationships
- Difficulty paying attention and learning
- More time out of the classroom
- Increased isolation
- School absences
- More suspensions and expulsions
- Higher referral rates to special education
- Poor test scores and increased risk of failing grades
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