As a parent, it can be confusing figuring out if your child has experienced trauma. You want a clear idea of what it looks like for your child to have symptoms of trauma.
As a trained therapist who works with children and specializes in trauma, I have developed a simple list of potential trauma symptoms to look for when assessing your child.
Trauma is any event or circumstances that overwhelm your child’s ability to cope with the situation, leaving within your child the lingering sense of confusion, fear, and being overwhelmed from the trauma.
You as the parent know your child best. Together, using your knowledge and this checklist I developed, you can have a clearer understanding of if what you are seeing in your child is trauma.
1. Your child seems stuck in the past. This can look like:
- Thinking a lot about what happened to him/her
- Experiencing bad dreams or nightmares
- Has physical body responses (headache, racing heart, stomach ache) or gets upset at reminders of what happened
2. Your child is staying away from reminders
- Tries to stay away from people, places, or things associated with trauma
- Won’t talk about what happened and tries to push it from his/her mind
- Disinterest in usual activities or being with people he/she usually likes
- New fear of something, or increase in worry from previous fear
3. Your child seems jumpier and more anxious.
- Startles easily- for example, jumps at sudden noise
- Since the trauma, seems more irritable and has angry outbursts
- Difficult time paying attention and concentrating since the trauma
- Experiences trouble falling or staying asleep
The symptoms of trauma can look different in each child, but if you are noticing any of these symptoms in your child, consider reaching out to a mental health professional to help you and your child
If trauma has occurred in your child’s life, the anxiety developed can be carried through into future relationships and vocations. Thankfully, the symptoms of trauma are treatable! Fear and anxiety can be reduced in the life of your child. Your child can be free from fear, returning to the important things in life- your kid being a kid!
– Alexandra Hoerr, MA, LCPC

Alexandra Hoerr
Child Therapist | LCPC, RPT
Supporting Your Child for Successful Social Engagement: Childhood ADHD Series – Part 3
In the final part of our 3-part series on Childhood ADHD, Jon Caes closes out the series by discussing topic maintenance and the importance of eye contact, as well as social awareness and self-regulation. Don’t have time to watch? You can also listen to the full...
Supporting Your Child for Successful Academic Engagement: Childhood ADHD Series – Part 2
In Part 2 of our 3-part series on childhood ADHD, Jon Caes outlines how he helps children with ADHD improve academically. We talk about: Tips on teaching children to view their ADHD as a strength Strategies on targeting your child’s specific needs Tools and...
Cultivating Relationships at Home: Childhood ADHD Series – Part 1
Welcome to the first episode of the Parent Matters Podcast. In the first part of this 3-part series, Susan and Jon explore strategies that can reduce ADHD related stressors in the home and help strengthen family relationships. We discuss: How Jon Caes, Child...
Kid Matters Counseling has trained therapists ready to help both kids and parents walk through the tough moments in life.
End the frustration & the confusion and let's work together! Call For A Free Consultation Today!We help anxious kids and frustrated parents. We serve Hinsdale & the Western Suburbs of Chicago.
Made with ♥︎ in Hinsdale, Illinois for Chicago
Built By Brand Your Practice.
© 2021 Kid Matters Counseling, P.C.
Kid Matters Counseling, P.C. DISCLAIMER: This website and blog are for informational, educational and general discussion purposes only. It is understood that no guarantee or warranty arises from the information provided, discussed or commented upon in this website and blog nor does it constitute legal or other professional advice on any subject matter. Access to this website and blog is voluntary and at the sole risk of the user. If you think that you have a medical emergency (including clinical), call your doctor or 911 immediately. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. While the information contained within this website and blog is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided is correct, complete, and/or up-to-date. See our complete Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.