Part 1: The consequences of exposing children to adverse or traumatic environments

There exists a tremendous volume of research and evidence that repeatedly paints a story of unfortunate outcomes on the canvas of child abuse and neglect. However the brush strokes on this canvas are often limited to the character and images of physical and sexual abuse and neglect. Indeed that is no light matter with the federal government estimating that nearly a million children a year are physically or sexually abused and neglected.

The challenge comes when one adds more color, broadens the palette to encompass a broader array of hues and tents by using a different definition of abuse. If childhood trauma can be expanded to include anything that interrupts or interferers with normal psychological, social, emotional or physical development then the size and chaotic color scheme of the canvas would take on amazing new definition and complexity.

Traumatic levels of stress adversely impact the developing brain of a child in ways that are unfortunate and yet subtly difficult to define because of the breadth of the systemic functions that can be dysregulated in the brain that is tasked with adapting to the demands of a traumagenic or adverse environment. The consequences of exposing children to adverse or traumatic environments can be to create an opportunity for the developing brain to be damaged, and severely impacted in negative ways.

The damage will be unique, based on the individual resilience and genetic makeup of the child as well as the frequency, duration and intensity of the adverse experiences. Regardless of these factors it is very possible to damage a child’s growing brain which can put into place psychological, physiological challenges such as cognitive delays or emotional difficulties, poor quality attachments and health risks like obesity.

Were you or someone you know a victim of a childhood trauma? Are there elements of this story that can relate to, either directly or as a direct result of your relationship with a loved one?