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!
How Childhood Trauma Can Impact the Brain
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here Written by Kaytee Gillis, LCSW A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging finds that childhood trauma can lead to [...]
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: The Missed Diagnosis
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here National Institute of Health Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently under-diagnosed in maltreated samples. Protective services information is critical for obtaining complete [...]
Types of Therapy for Childhood Trauma Explained
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here Medically reviewed by Akilah Reynolds, PhD — Written by Mandy French on August 30, 2023 Childhood trauma can affect people in various ways. There are many therapy options [...]
The Intersection of Childhood Trauma and Addiction
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here By Shannon Karl Substance dependence leads to persistent negative consequences and the loss of human potential. These consequences often include chronic health [...]
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here By National Institute of Mental Health Every year, children and adolescents experience disasters and other traumatic events. Family, friends, and trusted adults [...]
The Link Between ADHD and Trauma
CSF written article Your Content Goes Here By Medical News Today Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that often begins in childhood. Studies have found [...]