Child Traumatic Stress

Children who suffer from child traumatic stress are those who have been exposed to one or more traumas over the course of their lives and develop reactions that persist and affect their daily lives after the events have ended. It’s important to note that traumatic experiences can set in motion a cascade of changes in children’s lives that can be challenging and difficult. These can include changes in where they live, where they attend school, who they’re living with, and their daily routines. They may now be living with emotional injury or disability themselves or in others. There may be ongoing criminal proceedings. At no age are children immune to the effects of traumatic experiences. Even infants and toddlers can experience traumatic stress. Witnessing a traumatic event that threatens the physical security of a loved one can also be traumatic – this is particularly relevant to young children as their sense of safety typically depends on the perceived safety of their parental figures.