Below is a list of some of types of behaviour that may be seen in children who are distressed. It should not be regarded as a checklist, as many of the listed behaviors could have other causes that require further investigation.
Please speak to your supervising social worker if you are concerned about a child’s behavior.
- Nightmares and/or disturbed sleep pattens (including evidence of this, such as falling asleep at school)
- Incontinence or issues with the bowels
- Mistrust or fear of others
- Lack of trust with professionals or care givers
- Clinginess towards the care giver
- Over eating/hoarding of food or lack of appetite
- Excessive nervousness or crying/trembling
- Ongoing physical health issues with no apparent cause (e.g.stomach aches, headaches etc)
- Prolonged sadness/ lack of interest/hopelessness/obsessive thoughts
- Self-harming behaviors (e.g cutting of arms etc)
- Risk taking (e.g disregard for own safety in managing relationships/ drug taking etc)
- Avoidance of particular subjects or situations (e.g avoiding school or contact)
- Talking about traumatic events in the present as if happening now
- Issues managing behaviour, attention, or emotions
- Withdrawn avoiding contact with their carer and/or lack of desire to mix with other peers
- Aggressive bullying behaviour towards others
