The Impact of Trauma on Children
Traumatised Children...
Act Instead of Plan
Have a Lack of Language to Describe Internal State
Iceberg Their Feelings, Often Due to Fear or Messages to 'not Talk About What Happened'
See Anything New as a Potential Threat
Limited Insight Into Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviour. Struggles to Make Sense of What Happened
Being Trauma-Informed.
Shifting from ‘What is wrong with you?’ to ‘What has happened to you?’
UNINFORMED
- They have ADHD
- They have anger management problems
- They are disruptive
- They have poor coping skills
- Don’t talk about it
- They are permanently damaged
- They need consequences
INFORMED
- They are reacting to trauma
- They have difficulty regulating emotions
- They have been triggered
- They have survival skills
- Talking gives permission to heal
- They can learn, heal and recover
- They need support, routine and self-worth
