Childhood Trauma in Children

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Child-population meta: 53.3% ≥1 ACE; 7.6% ≥4 ACEs in <12 subgroup
Is it more common among children? High exposure already evident in childhood
Are children at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? ≥4 ACEs 7.6% <12
How often can it be missed? #N/A
Does it show up differently among children? Very Strong Yes
How might it look different? Behaviour change, regression, fear, aggression, somatic complaints, school problems, sexualized behaviour, attachment changes; disclosure may be indirect
What commonly occurs alongside it? #N/A
What can it be confused with? ADHD; autism; anxiety; behavioural disorders; current abuse/safeguarding concerns
Common screening tool Developmentally appropriate trauma-exposure/safeguarding assessment
Separate screening tool for children No simple child self-screen should substitute for safeguarding/clinical assessment

Most often taken Self-Assessments

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