Early Childhood Trauma Essay

How Does Early Childhood Neglect and Trauma Influence Cognitive, Physiological, and Emotional Development?

Background Information

In an attempt to understand human brain functions and the effect of stress on the development of a healthy brain, much of the scientific population utilizes numerous studies, and copious amounts of research, time, and money. Specifically, the authors of The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog, Perry B. D. & Szalavitz M. (2008), delved into the world of childhood trauma and the brain’s ability to adapt in order to cope with the trauma. In chapter ten of the book, “The Kindness of Children”, the authors explore the story of an adopted Russian child named Peter, who experienced extreme neglect for the first three years of

The brain is an extraordinary organ, which controls immeasurable bodily functions, and allows humankind to form behaviors, instincts, and essentially, houses an individual’s consciousness. However, when presented with experiences early in development that affect the stimuli needed for the brain to healthily form, such as neglect, abuse, and trauma, there is a negative physical

In order to help others, one must be educated, motivated, and empathetic, especially when involved in sensitive cases such as childhood trauma and neglect (Child Welfare, 2015). Overall, extensive research and discussion has led to a defining concept: trauma experienced early in development negatively affects most, if not all aspects of a person, from cognition to physiological progress, from emotional responses to the ability to recognize stimuli, and plenty