SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMA: AGES 3-5
Every preschooler becomes angry or distracted at times. The following symptoms might indicate the child has experienced a traumatic event if they are excessive or interfere with the child’s or family’s lives.
- Unusually high level of anger/excessive temper
- Tantrums that do not stop within a few minutes
- Inability to be soothed or comforted
- Aggression towards family and others
- Verbal abuse towards others
- Overly bossy or controlling
- Disruptive (may be expelled from preschool due to behaviors)
- Agitation
- Difficulty focusing or learning
- Development of learning disabilities
- Poor skills development
- Loss of skills, such as speech, use of the toilet
- Bedwetting
- Acting out in social situations
- Fear of adults who remind them of the trauma
- Fear of being separated from parent or caregiver
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Avoidance of eye contact and/or physical contact
- Inability to trust others or make friends
- Imitating the traumatic event
- Heightened startle response (easily startled)
- Terrified responses to sights, sounds, etc., that remind the child of the trauma
- Eating problems such as loss of appetite, low weight or digestion issues
- Lack of self confidence
- Stomach aches and headaches
- Loneliness
- Confusion
- Unusual clinginess
- Overly obedient (fear of punishment for not obeying)
- Wild eyed, especially when stressed
- Nightmares
- Sleeplessness
- Irritability
More about symptoms:
