Signing you in

According to Dr Sugami Ramesh, Clinical Psychologist at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, there is no single answer to whether toddlers remember trauma as adults.WHY CHILDHOOD TRAUMA CAN RESURFACE YEARS LATER

"It is difficult to give one answer because every child is different," Dr Ramesh said.

She explained that children who continue growing up in the same environment where the trauma occurred are more likely to reconnect with those experiences later in life. Repeated or ongoing trauma is also more likely to become linked with later memories than a single isolated event.

Dr Ramesh recalled treating an adult who only later realised that an incident from early childhood, which she had not understood at the time, had been traumatic. "As she grew older, she was able to connect those memories with the trauma she had experienced," she said.

Because toddlers are still developing language and emotional awareness, they often cannot explain frightening experiences in words. Instead, distress may be reflected in their behaviour, play or interactions.

She cautioned that no single behaviour confirms trauma. However, these changes may become more noticeable when children begin attending daycare or school, where differences from their peers are easier to observe.CAN EARLY SUPPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

The long-term impact of childhood trauma depends largely on the support a child receives afterwards, Dr Ramesh said. Children who grow up with consistent love, reassurance and emotional support often cope better after traumatic experiences, although emotional triggers can still persist.

During a traumatic event, the brain can associate emotions with sounds, smells, sights or other sensory cues, which may trigger distress years later.

Early assessment by a child psychologist or psychiatrist can help identify whether a child needs support. Experts say recognising persistent emotional or behavioural changes early may improve long-term emotional well-being.- EndsPublished By: Vidhya Published On: Jul 18, 2026 09:00 IST