Childhood Trauma

Childhood Trauma

Although trauma can occur at any age, it has particularly debilitating long-term effects on children’s developing brains.

Signs + Symptoms of Trauma

Trauma Symptoms in Children

Trauma signs in young children can take many forms, as it changes depending on the child’s age.

Preschool Children

  • Separation anxiety
  • Crying, whimpering, screaming
  • Immobility and/or aimless motions
  • Trembling, frightened facial expressions
  • Regressed behaviours (thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, fear of darkness)
  • Self-soothing (rocking, head banging)

Elementary School Children

  • Extreme withdrawal
  • Disruptive behaviour
  • Inability to pay attention
  • Regressed behaviours
  • Nightmares/sleep problems
  • Irrational fears
  • Irritability/anger outbursts
  • Poor academic engagement
  • Depression, anxiety, feelings of guilt, emotional numbing

Adolescent + Teens

  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares/sleep problems
  • Emotional numbing
  • Avoidance of reminders
  • Depression
  • Substance abuse
  • Anti-social behaviour
  • Withdrawal/isolation
  • Physical complaints
  • School problems
  • Guilt

Childhood Trauma Symptoms in Adults

Trauma signs in young children can take many forms, as it changes depending on the child’s age.

Preschool Children

  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares/sleep problems
  • Emotional numbing
  • Avoidance of reminders
  • Depression
  • Substance abuse

Elementary School Children

  • Anti-social behaviour
  • Withdrawal/isolation
  • Physical complaints
  • School problems
  • Guilt

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