Signs and Symptoms of Trauma in Young Children

Tara Grall, LPC, RPT, is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Mississippi and a registered play therapist specializing in young children. She works as a counselor for The Ardent Center, Hoffman Estates, Ill.

By Tara Grall, LPC, RPT

Young children experience trauma differently from adults. Because they are unable to communicate how they feel, they are likely act out their feelings in the classroom or playground. They may bite or hit others, throw a temper tantrum, or isolate themselves, or may even struggle with enuresis.

For young, developing children, trauma does not necessarily mean severe abuse. It could also be the loss of a pet, divorce or separation of a parent, or an illness of a family member.

Because the school setting is often the place where young children act out their traumatic experiences, teachers, school nurses and administrators should become more familiar with trauma and its impact on young children and families.

Children going through trauma may not know why they behave a certain way or feel angry, sad or anxious. Trauma signs and symptoms in young children can take many forms. However, some common symptoms include:

Eating issues
Nightmares during sleep
Clingy/separation anxiety
Irritable/difficult to soothe
Developmental regression
Language delay
Aggressive behavior
Sexualized behavior

Play therapy is a treatment modality that is used to help young children express their experiences and feelings through play. It is useful in trauma or abuse incidents where children have not been able to talk about what happened. It also useful when children with special needs are unable to verbally communicate effectively.

With the guidance of a registered play therapist, children play out their feelings using selected toys like dolls to bring the hidden emotions consciously where they can face them and cope with them.

One of the most common types of play therapy is child-centered therapy, in which a therapist and a child work together. This is often used if there is a concern about the parents or abuse in the family. It can also be done to make the child feel more comfortable.

Many different materials and activities can be incorporated into play therapy. One of the most classic activities is sand play. During sand play sessions, the child is encouraged to play with small objects or toys in a tray of sand, and the therapist allows the child to create their world in the sand tray. Other materials that play therapists can use include dollhouses and dolls, kitchen and pretend cooking, or puppets, in which the children can use it to represent themselves and a life situation where they are struggling.

Play therapy allows the child to manipulate the world on a smaller scale, something that cannot be done in the child's everyday environment.

Because early exposure to trauma can impact a young child’s developing brain, it’s important that children receive the help they need as soon as possible. This requires that teachers, school nurses and school administrators understand the common signs and symptoms young children may exhibit.

A registered play therapist is qualified to work with children because they have a specific state licensure in counseling, social work, or psychology and more advanced play therapy training and supervision. To find out more information about the Association for Play Therapy, go to a4pt.org.