Trauma Exposure

Exposure to traumatic situations is not uncommon. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration) reports that more than two thirds of US children reported experiencing at least 1 traumatic event by age 16. Trauma exposure can impact a young person's ability to learn and take in information, develop healthy friendships, and feel safe and connected to others. We also know that kids are resilient and can bounce forward with the support of a trusted adult. Below is information about different types of trauma, normal reactions to trauma, and specific populations that may be at higher risk of trauma exposure.

• Age Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event

https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//age_related_reactions_to_traumatic_events.pdf

• Reacciones a eventos traumáticos relacionadas con la edad

https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/age_related_reactions_to_traumatic_events_sp.pdf

• Talking with Children About Traumatic Events

https://www.dougy.org/grief-resources/talking-with-children-about-tragic-events/

• What is Complex Trauma? A Resource Guide for Youth and Those Who Care About Them

https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//what_is_complex_trauma_for_youth.pdf

• Early Childhood Trauma

https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//early_childhood_trauma.pdf

• Supporting Children and Teens During This Holiday Season

https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/supporting_children_and_teens_during_this_holiday_season.pdf

• Parenting in a New Context: How Trauma can Impact Parenting

YouTube: Parenting in a New Context: Strategies for Practitioners Supporting Refugee and Immigrant Caregivers - YouTube

• Psychological and Behavioral Impact of Trauma: Middle School Students

https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//psychological_and_behavioral_impact_of_trauma_middle_school.pdf

• Impacto Psicológico y Conductual del Trauma: ESTUDIANTES DE LA ESCUELA SECUNDARIA

https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//psychological_and_behavioral_impact_of_trauma_middle_school_sp.pdf

Are you curious to learn about different types of trauma? Click on the links below to learn more about specific types of trauma, including normal reactions that young people have, and how to help.

• Bullying

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/bullying/effects

• Community Violence

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/community-violence

• Complex Trauma (on-going trauma that begins at a young age)

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/community-violence

• Natural Disasters

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/disasters

• Early Childhood Trauma

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/early-childhood-trauma

• Intimate Partner Violence (Domestic Violence)

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/intimate-partner-violence

• Medical Trauma

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/medical-trauma

• Physical Abuse

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/physical-abuse

• Refugee Trauma

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/refugee-trauma

• Sexual Abuse

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/sexual-abuse

• Terrorism & Violence

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/terrorism-and-violence

• Traumatic Grief

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/traumatic-grief

Some populations of youth are more at risk of experiencing traumatic events in their lives. Learn more about who those groups are and how they can be protected.

• Youth with substance abusing behaviors

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/populations-at-risk/trauma-and-substance-abuse

• Families experiencing economic stress

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/populations-at-risk/economic-stress

• Military and Veteran Families

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/populations-at-risk/military-and-veteran-families

• Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/populations-at-risk/intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities

• Youth experiencing homelessness

https://www.nctsn.org/what-child-trauma-populations-risk/homeless-youth

• LGBTQ Youth

https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/populations-at-risk/lgbtq-youth