Trauma: Adoption’s Shadow

What does trauma look like?


Some common signs and symptoms of trauma-related issues include

• changes to the young person’s mood, personality, and behaviour;
• an increase in anxiety and fearfulness, including separation anxiety;
• increased tension, irritability, or reactivity;
• inability to relax;
• lack of eye contact;
• increased startle response;
• avoidance of physical and emotional connection with caregivers;
• problems with emotional regulation, including tantrum, explosive expressions of anger, or emotional meltdowns;
• changes in sleeping and eating patterns;
• lack of interest in normal, routine activities and social relationships;
• regression to the behaviour of a younger child, such as wetting or soiling clothes;
• oppositional and rejecting behaviour toward their parents or other important people in their lives;
• problems with school attendance and/or performance;
• problematic use of drugs and/or alcohol;
• inappropriately sexualized behaviour;
• fighting, bullying, or being bullied;
• self-harm; and
• suicidal thoughts or gestures.

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