Symptoms
What somatic symptoms do children feel due to PTSD?
Children with PTSD frequently experience somatic symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue, often related to stress and anxiety.
What role does culture play in the presentation of trauma for children with PTSD?
Different expressions of Trauma
Language barriers/communication style differences
Stigma
Cultural beliefs
Impacts of displacement/refugee status
Name one of the benefits mindfulness has on PTSD Sx
Benefits Include:
Regulate the nervous system
Build emotional resilience
Enhance self-compassion
Improve sleep
Reduce intrusive thoughts & Flashbacks
Name 3 effective treatment options.
TF-CBT
EMDR
Play Therapy
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) with Trauma Adaptations
Art and expressive therapies
What are some of the cognitive symptoms children with PTSD go through?
Cognitive: difficulty concentrating, difficulties in school, worrying about death, and losing touch with reality.
What effect does trauma have on brain functions?
Trauma can alter brain function, affecting a child’s ability to focus on tasks, process new information, and recall previously learned material.
Name 3 positive effects exercise has for PTSD.
Desensitization to internal arousal cues
Increased cognitive function
Exercised-induced neuroplasticity
Restoring healthy balance to Hypothalamic Pituitary Axis (HPA) - Managing stress hormones
Reduce inflammation
What are the key components of Play Therapy?
Key Components:
A therapist observes and guides play to help the child work through trauma.
Structured and unstructured play are used to build trust, explore emotions, and foster coping skills.
What percentage of children who experience trauma will develop PTSD?
1-15%
How does trauma effect classroom expectations for children with PTSD?
Frequent distractions, incomplete assignments, and declining academic performance may be misinterpreted as laziness or a lack of effort.
Name a grounding exercise technique
5–4-3-2-1 (See, Feel, Hear, Smell, Taste)
2-4-6-8-10 ( Encouraging statements, Square Breath, Imagine favorite foods, tense/relax muscles, and finding certain colors in the room)
Body Scanning (Head-to-toes)
What is the overview of Narrative Exposure Therapy?
NET helps children create a coherent narrative of their life experiences, integrating traumatic events into a broader context. NET is often used with children who have experienced multiple traumas, such as refugees or children in war-affected areas.