Symptoms might be
the same as those for anxiety or depression
(physical symptoms, persistent avoidance of
being alone, unrealistic
worries about harm)
Child is not able to "let go" of
a memory
The degree of emotionality and
the degree of silence are both clues
(be sure to
talk with the child and simply ask them quietly,
confidentiality,
how they are feeling and
coping)
Make note of other physical
manifestations of stress (as a result of the
impact
of
the event)
Be aware of different forms of
adjustment in each child
The teacher is not meant to be
in the role of "diagnostician"; refer those
children you are concerned about to a school
counselor, social worker
or school psychologist
Some children may be predisposed
to adverse reactions following a
critical
incident (generally, these are children who have
experienced
other loss, relocation, death,
abuse, crime, etc.)
An anniversary date of a
disaster or death is a predictable time when
memories and associated problems may resurface