Note for caregivers: This guide is intended to help you recognize potential signs of trauma in children. Not all children will show these signs, and some signs may be due to other causes. If you're concerned about a child, please consult with a mental health professional who specializes in childhood trauma.
Understanding Childhood Trauma
Trauma occurs when a child experiences an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening. These experiences can have lasting adverse effects on the child's functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.
Children can be remarkably resilient, but they need supportive adults who understand how trauma might be affecting them. Recognizing the signs of trauma is the first step in helping a child heal.
Important to Remember:
- Children express trauma differently depending on their age, temperament, and support system.
- Many trauma responses are actually adaptive survival mechanisms.
- A child's behavior often communicates what they cannot express in words.
- With the right support, children can and do heal from trauma.
Signs of Trauma by Age Group
Preschool Children (Ages 3-5)
Behavioral Signs:
- Regression to earlier behaviors (bed-wetting, thumb-sucking, baby talk)
- Separation anxiety or clinginess with caregivers
- Increased tantrums or emotional outbursts
- New fears (of the dark, monsters, being alone)
- Recreating the traumatic event during play
- Sleep disturbances, including nightmares
Physical Signs:
- Stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
- Changes in appetite
- Easily startled by noises or movements
- Hyperactivity or appearing "on edge"
Emotional/Social Signs:
- Appearing withdrawn or emotionally flat
- Unusual aggression toward peers or adults
- Excessive worry about the safety of loved ones
- Difficulty calming down when upset
School-Age Children (Ages 6-11)
Behavioral Signs:
- Difficulty concentrating in school
- Declining academic performance
- Increased irritability or defiance
- Perfect, compliant behavior (trying to "fly under the radar")
- Frequent absences from school
- Avoidance of certain places, people, or activities
Physical Signs:
- Frequent complaints of physical ailments
- Changes in energy level (lethargy or hyperactivity)
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Diminished appetite or overeating
Emotional/Social Signs:
- Expressions of shame, guilt, or self-blame
- Difficulty forming or maintaining friendships
- New fears or anxieties
- Increased sensitivity to perceived threats
- Statements that reveal a sense of a foreshortened future
- Emotional numbing or detachment
Older Children/Pre-teens (Ages 11-12)
Behavioral Signs:
- Increased risk-taking behaviors
- Avoidance of previously enjoyed activities
- Academic difficulties or school refusal
- Disruption in relationships with peers and family
- Substance experimentation (in some cases)
- Running away from home or threatening to do so
Physical Signs:
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Frequent physical complaints
- Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
- Physical reactions to reminders of trauma
Emotional/Social Signs:
- Depression or withdrawal
- Increased anger or aggression
- Expressions of hopelessness about the future
- Self-destructive behavior or self-harm
- Difficulty trusting others
- Feelings of isolation or that no one understands
How Trauma Affects a Child's Brain and Development
Trauma can impact a child's developing brain, particularly areas involved in the stress response, emotional regulation, memory, and executive function. When a child experiences trauma, their brain's alarm system (centered in the amygdala) becomes highly sensitive, leading to a state of hypervigilance. This means they're constantly on alert for danger, even in safe situations.
The brain's stress response system can become either overactive (resulting in anxiety, hyperactivity, and emotional outbursts) or underactive (resulting in withdrawal, numbness, and dissociation). Over time, these patterns can affect a child's ability to concentrate, control impulses, form healthy attachments, and regulate emotions.
Supporting a Child Who May Have Experienced Trauma
- Establish safety and predictability: Create routines and clear expectations to help children feel secure.
- Respond, don't react: Stay calm during difficult behaviors, remembering they may be trauma responses.
- Help identify feelings: Give children words to express their emotions and validate their experiences.
- Teach coping skills: Help children learn ways to calm themselves when upset (deep breathing, counting, movement, etc.).
- Maintain connections: Strengthen relationships through positive interactions and quality time.
- Focus on strengths: Recognize and cultivate the child's natural abilities and interests.
- Seek professional help: Connect with mental health professionals who specialize in childhood trauma.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider consulting a mental health professional specializing in childhood trauma if:
- The child's symptoms are severe or persistent
- The behaviors are putting the child or others at risk
- The child's daily functioning is significantly impaired
- Your family is struggling to cope with the child's needs
- The child talks about hurting themselves or others
- You feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to help
A Message of Hope
While the effects of trauma can be profound, children are remarkably resilient. With understanding, supportive relationships, and appropriate interventions, children can and do recover from traumatic experiences. As a caring adult in a child's life, your consistent, compassionate presence is one of the most powerful healing factors.