Developmental Trauma - How trauma presents in children of different ages

Child development moves at a rapid pace with significant differences between the developmental stages. Although there are some reactions to trauma that can be seen across people of all ages, children who experience trauma will all react differently based on their age at the time of the trauma due to developmental differences. 

Ages 2-5

Children aged 2-5 may display tantrums, irritable outbursts, crying and tearfulness as a reaction to trauma. Other typical reactions to trauma include disturbances in sleeping, eating and toileting habits, talking about the event and re-enacting the event through play, becoming increasingly fearful and sensitive to loud noises. Alongside this, reverting to early behaviour (such as bed-wetting and thumb. sucking) difficulty separating from parents and difficulty concentrating are also reactions that may be displayed. 

Ages 6-11

Children at this age are more likely to talk about their thoughts and feelings, making talking to your child about their trauma easier. Typical reactions to trauma from children of this age group include disturbances in their sleeping and eating habits, an increase in aggression, anger, irritability, moodiness and crying. Children may also have concerns regarding their care, future injury and death of themselves and their loved ones as well as blaming themselves for the event. Naturally, children this age may ask questions about the event and also be hesitant to discuss the event – some children may even deny the event occurrence altogether. There are also some physical reactions to experiencing a trauma that children at this age may present, such as complaints about stomach aches, headaches and tiredness.

Ages 12-18

Adolescents at this age may feel a lack of control after a traumatic event. Similar to children ages 2-11, adolescents also experience changes in their sleeping and eating habits and become more irritable. At this age, typical reactions to a traumatic event include  emotional avoidance, withdrawing from family and friends, experiencing panic, anxiety and depression and feelings of anger and resentment. There may also be a strain on their academic studies after a traumatic event, as adolescents may experience memory and concentration difficulties. Participating in risky behaviours such as drug use, drinking alcohol and smoking are also typical reactions of an adolescent who has experienced trauma.    

It is important to seek professional help if you feel as though your child is not coping after experiencing a trauma. You can get access to this help by contacting your GP or speaking to your child’s school or college.