Developmental Responses

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	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 Hypervigilance-unsafe/dangerous 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
Rebecca Konarz, LSW, MSW Copywrite 2003 TLC