Literature exists to support the statement that children suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The diagnosis is not one that is commonly made in children and is generally considered occurring in returning war veterans or adult victims of trauma, including incest. The American Psychological Association (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-III-Revised defines post-traumatic stress disorder, an anxiety disorder, as distinguished by the development of characteristic symptoms following a psychologically distressing event that is outside the range of usual human experience. An improved method of diagnosing PTSD, especially in children, would be the inclusion of acute versus chronic differentiation. Consider that a prolonged, or painful, event in a child's life can meet the criteria for experiencing PTSD in children. Too often children are viewed as passive recipients of life experience when they are instead dynamic consumers of all the experiences that come their way, whether good or bad. PTSD in children can result in aggression and precocious sexuality, alterations in a child's sense of security and perceived vulnerability, challenge self-esteem, create or escalate stress in intrafamilial and peer relationships, and change future orientation. Improved diagnosis can effect treatment considerations and assist a child experiencing PTSD to an improved level of functioning. (ABL)