As parents, we should be vigilant for some of the signs of trauma in children. The brain is the most complex organ we possess, it is constantly making new connections, dropping some and reenforcing others. As a child learns something new, the connections are established and reinforced. Please discuss these with your Pediatrician if you see these symptoms. See the list below for children and adolescents from ECMCH.
| Domain of Development | Signs of Disruption or Impairment |
| Attachment | Difficulty trusting others Uncertain about the reliability/predictability of othersInterpersonal difficulty Social isolation Difficulty seeking help Clingy, difficulty with separations |
| Physical | Sensorimotor development problems Hypersensitivity to physical contact Somatization Increased medical problems Problems with coordination and balance |
| Affect Regulation | Problems with emotional regulation Easily upset and/or difficulty calming Difficulty describing emotions and internal experiences Difficulty knowing and describing internal states Problems with communicating needs |
| Behavioral Control | Poor impulse controlSelf-destructive behavior Aggressive behavior Oppositional behavior Excessive compliance Sleep disturbance Eating disordersReenactment of traumatic event/past Pathological self-soothing practices |
| Cognition | Difficulty paying attention Lack of sustained curiosity Problems processing information Problems focusing on/completing tasks Difficulty planning and anticipating consequences Learning difficulties, developmental delays Problems with language development |
| Self-Concept | Lack of continuous/predictable sense of self Poor sense of separateness Disturbance of body image Low self-esteem Shame and guilt |
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