Child with ptsd- what should they avoid?

Interesting question: Your question is ironic in that avoidance is a symptom of ptsd. So, if your child has ptsd he/she is already avoiding reminders or cues of the traumatic events and perhaps a number of social events and situations. Since avoidance is a symptom of ptsd, additional avoidance is not a primary goal. Professional treatment can help. Gradual exposure to feared situations in small doses eventually helps.

Seek treatment: If your child truly has ptsd (was he evaluated by a metal health professional?), he can benefit from therapy based on learning principles that help "extinguish" the fear responses while also reshaping the thoughts about the trauma. Interesting that the treatment is based on gradual exposure to trauma related stimuli rather than avoidance. The tx is very effective. Don't delay. Good luck!

Avoidance: I agree with dr. Smith. I would initially avoid exposing the child to triggers that overwhelm him or her. As the child stabilizes during therapy, gently reintroducing people, places, things that served as triggers may be possible. Decisions can be made with family, child & therapist if there are areas that merit continued avoidance. Timing is very important to avoid significant regression.