How to Identify if a Child Has Been Traumatized by an Event
Be aware of what can be considered a traumatic experience for a child., Recognize that different people respond to trauma differently., Consider signs of trauma in parents and other loved ones close to the child.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Be aware of what can be considered a traumatic experience for a child.
A traumatic experience is one that terrifies or shocks the child and may have felt life-threatening (whether real or perceived) and caused the child to feel extremely vulnerable.
Potentially traumatizing events include...Natural disasters Vehicle accidents and other accidents Neglect Verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse Rape War Violent bullying or victimization Compliance therapy,restraint, and seclusion -
Step 2: Recognize that different people respond to trauma differently.
If two children go through the same experience, they may have different symptoms or different severity of trauma.
What is traumatizing to one child may simply be upsetting to another. , A parent suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder can also be a trigger for a child to develop a traumatized response.
A child may even react more strongly to trauma because adults around them have done so, especially parents because they're so attuned to them. -
Step 3: Consider signs of trauma in parents and other loved ones close to the child.
Detailed Guide
A traumatic experience is one that terrifies or shocks the child and may have felt life-threatening (whether real or perceived) and caused the child to feel extremely vulnerable.
Potentially traumatizing events include...Natural disasters Vehicle accidents and other accidents Neglect Verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse Rape War Violent bullying or victimization Compliance therapy,restraint, and seclusion
If two children go through the same experience, they may have different symptoms or different severity of trauma.
What is traumatizing to one child may simply be upsetting to another. , A parent suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder can also be a trigger for a child to develop a traumatized response.
A child may even react more strongly to trauma because adults around them have done so, especially parents because they're so attuned to them.
About the Author
Christina Harris
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