Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Childhood Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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Childhood Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Jeanette Loftus

little girl holding teddy bear Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Children with PTSD have experienced a traumatic event which can lead to the development of an exaggerated anxious stress response. An example of this is if they have experienced a stressful life event such as a natural disaster or if they have been abused. Children who are most at risk of developing post traumatic stress disorder are children who witnessed a traumatic event and were hurt directly or already have other anxieties prior to the traumatic event.

A child with post traumatic stress disorder can re-experience trauma and have nightmare's or think about their past traumatic experiences. Children are resilient and many children who have experienced a traumatic event will not develop PTSD or they will recover in a small amount of time.

Children who have post traumatic stress disorder have experienced a traumatic event or sometimes if they have been abused. Children are at risk of developing post traumatic stress disorder if they have witnessed a traumatic event, were hurt directly or already have other anxieties prior to the traumatic event.

A child with post traumatic stress disorder can experience trauma over and over and have nightmares about the traumatic event or think about their past traumatic experiences.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

- becomes upset when thinking about memories
- difficulties sleeping
- ongoing fears
- sadness
- nightmares
- including the trauma in their play
- keep remembering the traumatic event
- irritability and angry outbursts
- being withdrawn
- feeling of numbness
- feeling nervous or jittery
- headaches or stomachaches
- avoiding situations that remind them of the trauma
- often looking for possible threats- easily startled
- reacting when something reminds them of traumatic event

Childhood Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a disorder that affects children who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Children can develop PTSD after going through a frightening or dangerous threatening event, such as abuse or violence.

Post traumatic stress disorder is a type of childhood anxiety disorder that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Children with post traumatic stress disorder may experience intrusive thoughts, nightmares or some children may experience flashbacks about the traumatic event too.

A common and effective therapy for children with post traumatic stress disorder is play therapy. A therapist uses toys, games or maybe arts and crafts to help children express their feelings and cope with the traumatic event in a safe environment.

If your child has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event and is showing symptoms of PTSD it is very important to seek help. Reach out to your doctor with your concerns.