Children can be caught up in traumatic events in just the same way as adults can.  However their responses and reactions will vary according to their age and stage of development.
 

The NICE guidelines for PTSD recommend that parents / guardians of children who have been involved in traumatic events are informed as soon as possible after the incident that PTSD may develop.  Parents / Guardians should be made aware of the most obvious symptoms to look out for:

·        Sleep disturbance
·        Nightmares
·        Difficulty concentrating
·        Irritability
·        Clinginess
·        General changes in behaviour 

If these symptoms persist for longer than a month help should be sought for the child. Children and young people with symptoms of PTSD should be offered a course of trauma-focussed CBT adapted to suit their age, circumstances and level of development.  There is no good evidence that other forms of therapy are successful in helping children with PTSD. Families should always be involved in the treatment of traumatised children and young people where this is appropriate.  However the trauma-focussed work should be with the children directly. ASSIST Trauma Care employs a specialist psychologist with extensive experience of working with traumatised children.  We also have specialist facilities for work with children and young people.