fear, including fear when being separated from a parent.Some of the most common signs of childhood trauma are: It is essential to know the signs of trauma in children, as the impact of unresolved trauma can last for years. How a child responds following a traumatic event will differ based on both their developmental stage and chronological age. Were caregivers supportive of the child? Did parents acknowledge or ignore the trauma? Did they react with strong emotions?

The child’s environment and caregivers.

A toddler with limited communication skills may not express trauma in a way that’s easy to recognize. A toddler’s experience with trauma will differ from a teen’s experience. What makes an event traumatic can vary from child to child depending on the severity of the event and additional factors, like:

However, not all disturbing events will result in trauma for children. The reoccurrence of traumatic experiences or traumatic stress is known as complex trauma.Ĭhildren may also experience trauma from witnessing - or having knowledge of - harm to a parent or loved one, such as in situations of intimate partner violence.Ĭhildhood trauma can occur when a disturbing event or experience occurs.

Trauma can be a single event, such as a natural disaster, car accident, illness, or loss, or it can be a reoccurring experience, like abuse, racism, neglect, or bullying. “Trauma” refers to any disturbing event or experience perceived as life-threatening or any event that causes great psychological, physical, or emotional harm.

Signs of sexual trauma in children