Trauma
Children and adolescents vary in the nature of their responses to traumatic experiences. The reactions of individual youths may be influenced by their developmental level, ethnicity/cultural factors, previous trauma exposure, available resources, and preexisting child and family problems. However, nearly all children and adolescents express some kind of distress or behavioral change in the acute phase of recovery from a traumatic event.
Characteristics
Many of the reactions displayed by children and adolescents who have been exposed to traumatic events are similar or identical to behaviors that mental health professionals see on a daily basis in their practice.
~ American Psychological Association
These include:
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the development of new fears
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separation anxiety (particularly in young children)
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sleep disturbance, nightmares
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sadness
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loss of interest in normal activities
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reduced concentration
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decline in schoolwork
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anger
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somatic complaints
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irritability
Complex Trauma: Facts for Educators
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Seven Ingredients of Resilience for Parents