Childhood Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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.
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. It's estimated that about 5% of children in the United States struggle with PTSD.
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.
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- being withdrawn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
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.
DISCLAIMER: I am not an Occupational Therapist. I am an adult who has Sensory Processing Disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists gives you. These are just ideas and information that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for suggestions and informational purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different needs. Please always consult with a professional.
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