Study Says 1 In 3 Oklahoma Kids Experience Traumatic Events

A new study from the journal Health Affairs says one in three Oklahoma children experience at least two traumatic events in their lives.

The report says kids who are exposed to seeing a parent die, severe poverty and are a witness to neighborhood violence or other traumas can be sent into a downward development spiral.

They are two and a half times more likely to repeat a grade or fall behind in schoolwork.

The study also found negative health effects that last into adulthood.

Children who experienced two or more social or family traumas are more likely to suffer from asthma, ADHD, autism and obesity.

Researchers say doctors and teachers can ease the effects by providing emotional support and trauma-informed medical care.

View the complete report by clicking here