Impact of Trauma on Child Development

The National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention recently released a publication on “Childhood Trauma and Its Effect on Healthy Development.”

Infants and Toddlers:

• Rely heavily on their parents to protect them and interpret the meaning of social interactions and novel events.
• Are in the process of acquiring verbal and communication skills and developing a sense of self. 
  
• Are still acquiring the skills needed to adjust their behavior adequately in response to changes in the environment.

School Age Children are in the process of developing:

• A defined sense of right and wrong
• The ability to empathize with others
• The interpersonal skills to form relationships with adults and peers

Adolescents are:

• Experiencing physical and social changes
• Gaining more independence
• Establishing their personal identity