1. Understanding Traumatized Children
Tracy Inman, MSW
(909)
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

2. What does the word Trauma Mean?
Threatens the life or physical integrity of a child or a perceived threat to one’s life.
Threat of someone important to that child (parent, grandparent, sibling)
Chronic Trauma often causes an overwhelming sense of terror, helplessness, and horror in the child’s mind.
Produces intense physical effects such as pounding heart, rapid breathing, trembling, dizziness, or loss of bladder or bowel control
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

3. Types of Trauma in Abused and Neglected Children
Acute Trauma
A single event that lasts for a limited period of time.
Chronic Trauma
The experience of multiple traumatic events, often over a long period of time
Complex Trauma
Is trauma that occurs multiple times over an extended period of time and often began at a young age and is caused by the “trusted” person or persons who should have been caring for and protecting the child.
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

4. Brain in the Palm of your Hand Dr
Brain in the Palm of your Hand Dr. Dan Siegal and Mary Hartzell; Mindsight Institute
Make a fist with your thumb tucked inside your fingers. Your hand is your brain, your wrist and arm are the spinal cord; carrying nerve impulses through your body.
Your palm is the brain stem (Primitive Brain) which controls involuntary action, blinking eyes, digestion, breathing, heart rate.
Tucked inside your palm is the middle brain the EMOTIONAL center; the fight or flight (survival) part of the brain.
Back of hand and fingers - Cerebral cortex. Higher function; Rational and logical thinking/problem solving.
In times of Chronic Trauma the brain stops thinking logical and rational thoughts and all thinking in forced to flow through the survival part of the brain.
Chronological Age and Developmental Age are hugely different in the brain of a chronically traumatized child.
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

5. The Building Blocks of the Well Cared for Child
Primary Building Blocks
Secondary Building Blocks
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

6. The Building Blocks of the Chronically Traumatized Child
Primary Building Blocks
Secondary Building Blocks
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

7. Impact of Chronic Trauma on Attachment, Thinking, and Behavior
Neglect
May have difficulty seeking & receiving nurturance or may over seek it
May turn feelings inward
May Have difficulty with emotional regulation
Physical Abuse
Hypervigilant – The overwhelming need to constantly detect threats
“Hyperactive” and “Attention Deficit” – The chronic inability to focus
Angry – A constant feeling of “unfairness”
Aggressive towards caregivers or overly compliant/”Bargaining”
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

8. Impact of Chronic Trauma on Attachment, Thinking, and Behavior (Continued)
Sexual Abuse
Inability to Trust
Fear of closeness
Shame & confusion/Self-inflicting injuries to the body
Emotional Abuse
Not worthy of positive attention
Difficulty developing relationships
Lack of:
confidence
motivation
A feeling of helplessness and hopelessness
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

9. Signs of Chronic Trauma in Children
Hyperarousal
Nervousness/Panic
Jumpiness/Irritability
Quick to Startle/Easily Scared
Self-Destructive Behaviors
Age Inappropriate Behaviors –Reacting like a much younger child.
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

10. Signs of Chronic Trauma in Children (Continued)
Reexperiencing Trauma
Triggers
Intrusive images, sensations, dreams
Intrusive memories of the traumatic event or events
Difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep; Chronic Nightmares
Talking about the trauma events all the time or play themes
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

11. Signs of Chronic Trauma in Children (Continued)
Avoidance and Withdrawal
Emotional Instability – Moody; Sad; angry; etc.
Feeling numb, shut down, or separated from normal life
Pulling away from activities and relationships
Avoiding things that prompt memories of the trauma
Self-Medicating (Drugs and Alcohol; Food)
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

12. Examples of Chronological Age vs
Examples of Chronological Age vs. Developmental age in Traumatized Children
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

13. Young Children (0-5) Key Developmental Tasks Trauma’s Impact
Development of visual and auditory perception
Recognition of and response to emotional cues
Attachment to primary caregiver
Trauma’s Impact
Sensitivity to noise
Avoidance of contact
Heightened startle response
Confusion about what’s dangerous and who to go to for protection
Fear of being separated from familiar people/places
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

14. School-Aged Children (6-12)
Key Developmental Tasks
Manage fears, anxieties, and aggression
Sustain attention for learning and problem solving
Control impulses and manage physical responses to danger
Trauma’s Impact
Emotional mood swings
Learning problems
Specific anxieties and fears
Attention seeking
Reversion to younger behaviors
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

15. Adolescents (13-21) Key Developmental Tasks Trauma’s Impact
Think abstractly
Anticipate and consider the consequences of behavior
Accurately judge danger and safety
Modify and control behavior to meet long-term goals
Trauma’s Impact
Difficulty imagining or planning for the future
Over- or underestimating danger
Inappropriate aggression
Reckless and/or self-destructive behaviors
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

16. Rebuilding the Brain of the Chronically Traumatized Child
Get Development Back on Track
Physical Safety vs. Psychological Safety
Help the child name and manage overwhelming emotions
Help the child understand the thinking that drives feelings and behaviors
Be an advocate
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children

17. Thoughts and Questions?????
Tracy Inman_Understanding Traumatized Children