Comprehensive trauma evaluations

for children

  • Over 20 years of combined experience.
  • rusted by over 5,000 Australian families.
  • Evidence-based, gold-standard trauma assessment tools

Assessing and Evaluating Trauma in Children

Trauma assessments at Quirky Kid are available for children aged 7 years and older who have been impacted by at least one traumatic event. Our assessment process helps to determine whether your child is experiencing ongoing symptoms of trauma and provides clear recommendations for support. 

Trauma assessments with children help our psychologists look beyond the initial event to understand the functional impact on the child's daily life. We specifically assess:

  • Intrusive Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, and distressing memories.
  • Physical Reactivity: Shaking, nausea, or panic responses.
  • Avoidance Behaviours: Efforts to avoid people, places, or thoughts related to the trauma.
  • Emotional Regulation: Excessive crying, feelings of overwhelm, or irritability.
  • Daily Functioning: Sleeplessness and impairment in school or social settings.

Identify Clinical Symptoms

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Determine the frequency and intensity of trauma-related symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, physical reactions (e.g., shaking, nausea), and emotional distress.

Comprehensive Assessment Process for PTSD.

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The diagnosis of PTSD in children requires a comprehensive assessment process and involves gathering information from a range of sources. The aim is to gather insight into a child’s symptoms and their impact on daily life.

Screen for Comorbid Conditions and plan

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Identify other emotional or behavioural conditions, such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder or Clinical Depression, which may occur independently or alongside a PTSD diagnosis. We provide personalised recommendations to assist parents and teachers in managing a child’s specific circumstances at home and at school.

How a Trauma Assessment Can Help

  • Gain clarity and understanding

    We help you make sense of your child’s experiences and behaviours in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Identify trauma-related concerns

    Assessments determine whether your child’s symptoms meet criteria for conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

  • Guide the next steps

    You will receive clear, personalised recommendations to support your child at home, at school, and in therapy.

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Assessment Process

Our Trauma Assessment Process

Our clinic provides a structured, child-friendly environment to ensure your child feels safe throughout the evaluation.

  1. Step 1: The Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS).
    After an initial parent sessions This 50-minute session assesses the frequency and intensity of trauma symptoms. Results are interpreted and discussed verbally with you during the same appointment.
  2. Step 2: Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-CA-5).
    If your child’s CATS symptoms are clinically significant and suggest the possibility of PTSD, we recommend this gold-standard assessment. It takes approximately 2 hours and involves movement breaks and snacks as needed.
  3. Step 3: Achenbach System (ASEBA).
    We use parent, teacher, and youth self-report forms to screen for other conditions like Anxiety or Depression to provide a holistic view of your child’s mental health.
  4. Step 4: Reporting and Recommendations.
    You will receive a detailed written report within 21 days. This outlines whether a PTSD diagnosis is warranted and includes personalised recommendations.

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Assessment Tools

We commonly use the following tools for a variety of purposes and age groups when completing this kind of assessment.

ASEBA Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL)

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The CBCL assesses adaptive and maladaptive functioning in children aged one to five. It examines a child’s participation and skills in certain activities as well as problem behaviours such as aggression, hyperactivity, bullying and defiance.

Our Team

Quirky Kid® would not be the company it is today without our talented, inspring and highly professional team that is as equally committed to the mental health and wellbeing of children as we are.

Assessments and Treatments

Our clinic provides psychological assessments and personalised treatment plans to support your child's needs. Our experienced psychologists gather detailed information to explore diagnoses and deliver effective interventions.

Each assessment results in a comprehensive report with background information, medical history, observations, and practical recommendations.

Our treatment plans address specific challenges and promote overall well-being.

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Get Started Today

Complete the form to schedule an assessment or treatment plan for your child.

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