Developmental Trauma & Complex PTSD (CPTSD) in Sensitive & Neurodivergent Individuals by Julie Bjelland, LMFT

For many sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, understanding the impact of trauma on their lives can be deeply validating. Two major forms of trauma that frequently affect sensitive and neurodivergent people—Developmental Trauma and Complex PTSD (CPTSD)—have overlapping but distinct causes and effects. Recognizing the difference between them is an important step toward healing.

What Is Developmental Trauma?

Developmental trauma occurs in early childhood, often before age 7, when a child’s emotional, physical, or psychological needs are unmet during critical stages of growth. This can happen in environments that are neglectful, unpredictable, or invalidating. Because the brain and nervous system are still forming, developmental trauma shapes a person’s ability to regulate emotions, trust relationships, and feel safe in the world.

Common Causes of Developmental Trauma:

Emotional neglect—growing up with emotionally unavailable or dismissive caregivers
Chronic stress or unpredictability in the home environment
Early social rejection or bullying
Being told you were "too sensitive" or "too much"
Sensory overwhelm without support or accommodations

How Developmental Trauma Affects Sensitive & Neurodivergent Individuals:

 Emotional Dysregulation – Difficulty managing emotions, frequent overwhelm, or shutdowns
 Identity Confusion – Struggling to trust oneself, often feeling “wrong” or “defective”
 Hypervigilance & Overthinking – Always scanning for rejection, criticism, or emotional threats
 Attachment Wounds – Difficulty forming or maintaining safe relationships
 Masking as a Survival Strategy – Learning to suppress true feelings to avoid invalidation

Developmental trauma lays the foundation for a dysregulated nervous system, making individuals more vulnerable to ongoing stress and CPTSD later in life.

What Is CPTSD (Complex PTSD)?

While developmental trauma occurs in childhood, CPTSD can develop at any stage of life when a person experiences repeated trauma over time, often in environments where they feel trapped or powerless. It’s commonly caused by chronic emotional, psychological, or relational trauma, which leads to lasting effects on a person’s self-worth, emotional regulation, and ability to feel safe.

Common Causes of CPTSD:

 Long-term emotional or psychological abuse (e.g., invalidation, manipulation, gaslighting)
 Bullying or social rejection (often experienced by neurodivergent individuals)
 Workplace trauma or toxic relationships
 Medical trauma and misdiagnosis (e.g., being dismissed by doctors or misdiagnosed for years)
 Masking and burnout – Living in survival mode due to neurodivergent traits being unsupported

How CPTSD Affects Sensitive & Neurodivergent Individuals:

 Emotional Flashbacks – Reliving past emotions of shame, fear, or helplessness without a clear trigger
 Chronic Shame & Self-Blame – Feeling “never enough” or deeply flawed
 Fawning or People-Pleasing – Prioritizing others’ needs over one’s own out of fear of rejection
 Dissociation & Emotional Numbness – Disconnecting from feelings or reality as a coping mechanism
 Sensory & Emotional Hypervigilance – Overanalyzing social interactions, constantly on edge

How Developmental Trauma & CPTSD Overlap

 When It Occurs:

• Developmental Trauma: Early childhood (before age 7)

• CPTSD: At any life stage

 Main Cause:

• Developmental Trauma: Chronic stress, neglect, or attachment trauma

• CPTSD: Ongoing exposure to relational or psychological trauma

 Impact on Nervous System:

• Developmental Trauma: Shapes emotional regulation early in life

• CPTSD: Creates emotional dysregulation, flashbacks, and shutdowns

 Effects on Identity:

• Developmental Trauma: Often leads to difficulty trusting oneself and self-worth struggles

• CPTSD: Can cause deep-rooted shame, self-blame, and dissociation

 Relationship to PTSD:

• Developmental Trauma: Can contribute to CPTSD later in life

• CPTSD: A broader and more complex form of PTSD

For many sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, these two forms of trauma often co-exist, making self-understanding and healing even more essential.

Healing from Developmental Trauma & CPTSD

Understanding these trauma patterns is an important step toward self-compassion and healing. Some ways to begin include:

 Unmasking at Your Own Pace – Expressing your authentic self in safe spaces
 Regulating Your Nervous System – Using grounding techniques, deep breathing, and sensory-friendly self-care
 Setting Healthy Boundaries – Learning to say “no” without guilt
 Reframing Past Experiences Through a New Lens – Seeing your experiences with validation and self-kindness
 Connecting with Others Who Understand – Building relationships in spaces where your experiences are valued (like here in our community)

You Are Not Alone

Many sensitive and neurodivergent individuals are now recognizing the impact that developmental trauma and CPTSD have had on their lives. If this resonates with you, know that your experiences are valid, and healing is possible.

What comes up for you reading this?

If you resonate with these experiences, you’re not alone. Many sensitive and neurodivergent individuals are learning how developmental trauma and CPTSD have shaped their lives—and how to heal.

I offer consultations in a supportive space for those seeking healing with someone who truly understands sensitivity and neurodivergence.

---

Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment. She is known for developing innovative, easy-to-implement tools that help balance the sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and empower individuals to excel in their unique talents. Julie has created a global hub of support, including online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community—a nurturing sanctuary for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals—a globally top-ranked podcast, articles, free webinars, and more. Her passion is helping to create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com.

---