Trauma

Possible Signs of Trauma in PreSchoolers 

• • Separation anxiety or clinginess towards teachers or primary caregivers 

• • Regression in previously mastered stages of development (e.g., baby talk or bedwetting/toileting accidents) 

• • Lack of developmental progress (e.g., not progressing at the same level as peers) 

• • Re-creating the traumatic event (e.g., repeatedly talking about, “playing” out, or drawing the event) 

• • Difficulty at naptime or bedtime (e.g., avoiding sleep, waking up, or having nightmares) 

• • Increased somatic complaints (e.g., headaches, stomach aches, overreacting to minor bumps and bruises) 

•  Changes in behavior (e.g., appetite, unexplained absences, angry outbursts, decreased attention, withdrawal)

• • Over- or under-reacting to physical contact, bright lighting, sudden movements, or loud sounds (e.g., bells, slamming doors, or sirens) 

• • Increased distress (e.g., unusually whiny, irritable, moody) 

• • Anxiety, fear, and worry about the safety of self and others 

• • Worry about a recurrence of the traumatic event 

• • New fears (e.g., fear of the dark, animals, or monsters) 

• • Statements and questions about death and dying