Developmental Chart


Age Range	Developmental Responses to Separation/Loss
Infancy - 3 years	Increased irritability, due to change in environment, caregiver, and routine Change in appetitite/sleep patterns Sense trauma and change through senses (i.e. touch of others)
3 - 6 years Magical Thinking Stage	Increased separation anxiety (More "clingy" behavior) Regression Increased irritability, due to change in environment, caregiver, and routine
7 - 9 years Concrete Thinking Stage	Believe they caused death Interested in physical aftermath of body Increased physical activity, especially males Violent play, even if the death was not violent
10 - 13 years Needs Answers NOW Stage	Constantly waiting for something else to happen (hypervigilance) -unsafe/daring behaviors Increased physical activity, especially males Needs to know answers regarding death immediately Suicidal ideations
14 and up Problem Solving & Abstract Thinking Stage	Intense & increased emotions Constantly waiting for something else to happen (hypervigilance) -unsafe/daring behaviors Depression Suicidal ideations Questioning own morbidity May refuse to discuss death or grief issues, DO NOT pressure them to talk
All Children May Experience:
Intrusive nightmares where they are the victims in the nightmare, which results in sleeplessness Decreased sense of safety Decreased appetite Behavior and personality changes (i.e. social to anti-social) Anger Guilt Increased irritability Decrease in academic achievement
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This website is a service of The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC), a program of Starr Commonwealth. All information listed in this site is meant to be used as a guide only and not as a substitute for professional counseling. If you have questions that you would like to ask our TLC Certified Trauma Specialist on staff, or would like a recommendation for a TLC Certified Trauma Specialist in your area please call TLC toll-free at 877-306-5256 or email steele@tlcinst.org