Trauma in Early Childhood

2:42

Companion Slides

How trauma manifests in children ages 0–12: regression, attachment, play disruption.

Key Concepts

  • Regression: returning to earlier developmental stages
  • Attachment disruption: clinginess or indiscriminate friendliness
  • Play disruption: repetitive re-enactment of traumatic events
  • Somatic complaints: stomachaches, headaches without medical cause
  • Children can't always verbalize — their bodies and behavior speak

Part of

Module 2: How Trauma Shows Up

Recognizing trauma responses in behavior, across ages, in the body, and through a cultural lens.

Up next

Trauma in Adolescents and Adults

Risk-taking, dissociation, relationship difficulties — age-specific trauma responses.