Trauma therapy for infants and toddlers...

Nobody really thinks about babies in considerations of trauma treatment; we don't generally consider the emotional needs of a baby in the back of the car after an accident, or the infant who spent weeks in NICU, or the effect on toddlers of witnessing domestic violence. But all of these events can leave a lasting imprint on the well-being of the youngest members of our society. And as they cannot speak, the only way that babies can tell us that anything is wrong is through their behaviour, which is seldom linked to their experiences.

Outlined below are some possible traumatic events that may affect babies, and the behavioural signs and symptoms that could indicate a trauma response.

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POTENTIALLY TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES

Please note that not every baby will have a trauma response, and some babies may experience trauma from events that seem benign to adults, but that are experienced as trauma by infants due to their reliance on adults for survival.

Accidents and injuries
Natural disasters
Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
Neglect
Separation from a primary caregiver
Operations or other medical procedures
Neonatal ICU
Adoption / fostering
Divorce or parental discord
Domestic abuse in the home
Being left to cry for long periods of time
Death in the family
Exposure to crime or violence in the community
Post Natal Depression in primary caregiver

 BEHAVIOURS/ SYMPTOMS THAT MAY INDICATE TRAUMA

Please note that some of these symptoms may be signs of other medical conditions. It is always worth checking with your pediatrician that your baby is in good general health before assuming trauma, but do look out for behavioural changes following any stressful incident.

Withholding faeces (not making a poo)
Regression to earlier behaviours
Withdrawal
Excessive clinginess / separation anxiety
Sleeping problems
Feeding problems
Change in behaviour
Excessive crying or never crying
Frozen watchfulness (looking shocked)
Stopping playing, smiling, engaging
Avoiding eye contact
Difficulty soothing
Delays or regression in usual milestones

Trauma treatment with an infant is usually done through the caregiver. This will involve meetings to discuss the history of the problem, to check that the caregiver is okay themselves or if they need any trauma processing or additional support, and then working out a treatment plan for the baby. This may involve using trauma stories, EMDR, assistance with attachment, and other calming and healing activities.