1 What is the PTSD — Children 6 Years and Younger?
The PTSD — Children 6 Years and Younger is a psychosocial scoring tool used in paediatric practice. DSM-5 preschool subtype criteria after exposure to actual/threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence. It scores 16 criteria and interprets the total across 2 bands, so the number always arrives with the severity it implies rather than on its own. In PediAid each criterion is shown as a labelled option with the weight it carries, so the total can be checked rather than taken on trust.
3 Formula & method
The score sums 16 criteria: Recurrent involuntary intrusive distressing memories (may be expressed in play); Recurrent distressing dreams related to the event; Dissociative reactions / flashbacks (may be trauma-specific re-enactment in play); Intense or prolonged distress at exposure to reminders; Marked physiological reactions to reminders; Avoidance of activities, places or physical reminders; Avoidance of people, conversations or interpersonal situations that are reminders; Substantially increased frequency of negative emotional states (fear, guilt, sadness, shame, confusion); Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities, including play; Socially withdrawn behaviour; Persistent reduction in expression of positive emotions; Irritable behaviour and angry outbursts (including extreme tantrums); and 4 further criteria. Totals are then banded: any score - Below threshold: threshold not yet met - check the per-cluster minimums, not just the total; 3 criteria met or more - Threshold met: preschool PTSD needs ≥1 intrusion symptom (items 1-5), ≥1 avoidance OR negative-mood symptom (items 6-11), and ≥2 arousal symptoms (items 12-16), lasting >1 month.
- DSM-5 threshold: 3 or more of the 16 criteria listed.
- A diagnosis also requires clinically significant distress or impairment, the required duration, and exclusion of substance use or another condition. Screening aid only - not a diagnosis.
- Clusters: intrusion (1-5) ≥1 · avoidance/negative mood (6-11) ≥1 · arousal (12-16) ≥2.
4 Frequently asked questions
How many criteria does the PTSD — Children 6 Years and Younger use?
16. They are Recurrent involuntary intrusive distressing memories (may be expressed in play); Recurrent distressing dreams related to the event; Dissociative reactions / flashbacks (may be trauma-specific re-enactment in play); Intense or prolonged distress at exposure to reminders; Marked physiological reactions to reminders; Avoidance of activities, places or physical reminders; and others.
What do the bands of the PTSD — Children 6 Years and Younger mean?
The total is interpreted as: any score - Below threshold: threshold not yet met - check the per-cluster minimums, not just the total; 3 criteria met or more - Threshold met: preschool PTSD needs ≥1 intrusion symptom (items 1-5), ≥1 avoidance OR negative-mood symptom (items 6-11), and ≥2 arousal symptoms (items 12-16), lasting >1 month.
Does the score replace clinical judgement?
No. It is a structured way to record and communicate severity. A clinician concerned about a child should act on that concern regardless of the total.
Where does this score come from?
DSM-5 threshold: 3 or more of the 16 criteria listed.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Score definitions are bundled with the PediAid app, so the score computes without a connection.