Despite controversy surrounding the application of PTSD to refugee / asylum seeking children and adolescents (e.g., the diagnostic approach «medicalises» and «westernises»
emotional disturbance and «pathologises» perfectly normal
reactions to abnormal situations), investigations across various countries have shown that trauma symptomology is
common in refugee children and adolescents (Ajdukovic & Ajdukovic, 1993; Hjern, Angel, & Hoejer, 1991; Kinzie, Sack, Angell, Manson & Ben, 1986; Mollica, Poole, Son, Murray & Tor, 1997; Sack, Clarke & Seeley, 1996; Sack, Seeley & Clarke, 1997).
Just as the
common saying goes «you hear me, but you're not listening,» seeing your child's
emotional reactions is not the same as perceiving them.