Provides guidance to parents, teachers, clinicians, and other caregivers in talking to children who have been exposed to traumatic events. In times of crisis, children require special attention so that they can develop the skills needed to become resilient enough to deal with and overcome traumatic experiences. The guide emphasizes the importance of supporting children in expressing and sharing their thoughts, feelings, and fears and of validating those expressions. Among the topics covered are: identification of traumatic and stressful events; children’s normal responses to stress, from a developmental perspective; the stages of grief; the psychological impact of violence on children and adolescents; early signs of distress in children; the symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); children at risk and common risk factors; and frequently asked questions following disaster and violence. Also contains numerous charts, a glossary of terms, a list of relevant national organizations, and a form readers can use to evaluate the guide.
