Impact of Trauma on Children's Developmental Stages

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Trauma in different age groups According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), “about one of every four children will experience a traumatic event before the age of 16.” Children who have been exposed to one or more traumatic events can develop negative effects that encumber their daily lives. Because the developmental stages are so critical, traumatic stress in children can have long-lasting effects on their physical and emotional health. Trauma for children can manifest in physiological and psychological ways. For example, children may experience an increased heart rate, sweat, agitation, and become emotionally upset. Other responses children could exhibit include intense and ongoing emotional stress, depressive symptoms, anxiety, behavioral changes, difficulties with attention, academic difficulties, nightmares, physical symptoms such as difficulty sleeping and eating, and aches and pains, among others.” Traumatic stress can also have long-term impacts on careers and relationships if they are not addressed. Preschool and young school-aged children Preschool and young school-aged children generally refer to children 3 to 5 years old, and it is extremely troubling for children at this …show more content…

Dr. Becca C. Johnson, a psychologist of over 25 years, currently serves as the Clinical Director for Engedi Refuge, a residential recovery home for female victims of domestic sex trafficking, overseeing individual and group therapy. Dr. Johnson has also led trauma and counseling training abroad and in the US for various shelters serving victims of sex trafficking.Dr. Johnson notes the seven domains of complex trauma symptoms and behavioral characteristics that can transpire which was identified originally by researchers Cook, Blaustein, Spinazzola, & Van der

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