By Caroline Miller
When kids have behavior and attention issues in school, the first explanation that comes to mind is often ADHD. But exposure to trauma can also cause symptoms that look like ADHD. And trauma is often overlooked when kids are misdiagnosed with ADHD.
Children with ADHD can be fidgety (always getting out of their seats), distracted (not paying attention to the teacher), and disruptive in class. Kids who have had a traumatic experience – or repeated exposure to violence or abuse – do some of the same things. They are unusually sensitive to signs of danger or threat, which can cause them to be jumpy and unable to settle down. They may see people as out to get them, so are prone to lashing out. They may also have intrusive thoughts about traumatic events they’ve experienced, and that can make kids look spacey and distracted.
Share This Post!
Stress & Trauma Toolkit for Treating LGBTQ in a Changing Political and Social Environment
By American Psychiatric Association Violence against the LGBTQ community has increased over recent years. In 2016, the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando shocked the nation—with a single gunman killing 49 people and [...]
How Organizations Can Support LGBTQ Youth Facing Trauma
By Center on Child Wellbeing & Trauma As an organization that supports children who have experienced trauma, it’s important to remember that every child’s experience is different. Those in the LGBTQ community need [...]
Trauma-Informed Care
By healthcaretoolbox.org A guide for patients and caregivers to advocate for trauma-informed care in all aspects of healthcare. Read Article [...]
After the Trauma: Helping My Child Cope
By The Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Nemours / Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children A helpful toolbox to assist parents with what they can [...]
The Power of Mindfulness
By Juliann Garey Mindfulness is a meditation practice that helps you calm down. It starts with focusing on your breathing. It helps you stay in the present instead of worrying about the [...]
Adverse Childhood Experiences
By CDC ACEs are common. About 64% of adults in the United States reported they had experienced at least one type of ACE before age 18. Nearly one in six (17.3%) [...]