How Traumatic Events Affect Child Development

Aggression

• Aggression is a common effect of trauma in a child's life, according to the National Association of School Psychologists article, "Identifying Seriously Traumatized Children: Tips for Parents and Educators." According to the article, a child can exhibit excessive anger and aggression when he has a problem processing his feelings after a traumatic event. This inhibits his emotional development, and ultimately his well-being. The article also states that role-play is an effective tool in helping a child process emotions that he might not be able to articulate at the time.

Withdrawal

• The Child Trauma Academy lists withdrawal as one potential effect of a traumatic event on a child. According to a publication by the organization titled "Effects of Traumatic Events on Children," a child who experiences a traumatic event can withdraw from school, social activities and from family. Parents and caregivers of a child who has experienced trauma should watch for signs the child is withdrawing. When a child begins to isolate himself, gives up previously enjoyed activities, stays inside instead of playing with friends or doesn't want to eat at the family dinner table, something is wrong. The Child Trauma Academy recommends counseling for a child who withdraws after a trauma. Withdrawing from life can lead to academic problems, social problems and even mental disorders.

Inability to Concentrate

• When a child endures a trauma, he might experience an inability to concentrate that goes beyond the normal level for children. The American Psychological Association, in an article titled, "Children and Trauma," outlines how an inability to concentrate can affect a child. According to the APA, a major problem is the lack of mental health help a child receives post-trauma. It is important that a child be given the help he needs in order to process the event. An inability to concentrate might go away after a short period, but if it does not, it can create problems in school, and later in a job. A child can feel overwhelmed by the emotions he is experiencing and be unable to concentrate on necessary tasks. Parents and caregivers should not brush aside this symptoms, but rather, they should involve a mental health worker.

Excessive Worry

• Worrying can be normal in many children. A child who has experienced a trauma might worry to the point of having panic attacks. The National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, in an article titled, "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Teens," states that excessive worry and fear are common among children who have post-traumatic stress disorder. This can translate into separation anxiety, or avoidance of people or places that remind the child of the traumatic event. A child who is experiencing this type of severe anxiety cannot function normally in his daily life. The NCPTSD recommends parents and caregivers seek help if a child, who has experienced a trauma, worries excessively and is unable to function normally socially, emotionally and academically.