Responses to traumatic stress during the earliest years of life can change quickly and can be difficult to identify because of the young child's rapid rate of development. The symptoms of traumatic stress will depend on the child's developmental level and individual coping styles, as well as the quality and nature of the child's most important relationships. Through three case examples, the author describes how children's responses to traumatic stress can affect developmental functioning and can be successfully resolved with the support of sensitive and caring adults who recognize and support the child's expression of trauma-induced stress.