Long Term Effects Of Early Childhood Trauma
When speaking of early childhood trauma, this generally refers to traumatic experiences that occur to children ages zero to six. Many times, being that infants and young children aren’t able to vocalize their reactions as well and precisely as adults do, it is portrayed as though they are unaffected by traumatic events. Multiple forms of trauma exist, whether it is medical, grief, sexual abuse, or a combination of traumatic events known as complex trauma. Trauma of any sort can have a profound effect on a child’s life and disturb multiple aspects of their development. There are numerous effects on a child who experiences trauma, such as altered emotional responses, cognition, behavior control, dissociation, and self-concept.
Complex trauma …show more content…
The child may appear distant, or detached from reality and his or her surroundings. This can cause a child to be at risk for other forms of trauma and difficulties in learning. Additionally, this could present other risks in the child’s future such as deviant behaviors, or participating in illegal activities. Regulating behavior for a child who has experienced complex trauma is another aspect of long-term effects. Certain behaviors may be more prevalent, such as aggression, or being easily agitated, as self-regulation becomes a struggle. This could be related to the up bringing of the child, and being surrounded by a feeling of powerlessness in an abusive environment. In addition to regulating behavior are issues with cognition, or thinking clearly. Children who experience complex trauma may struggle with reasoning or problem solving. Studies have shown that children of abusive and neglectful parents demonstrate impaired cognitive functioning by late infancy when compared with nonabused children (Psychiatric Annals, 2005.) This could result in difficulty retaining new skills or information. They also may run into issues involving attention as they are easily distracted by reactions to trauma reminders. Some children who have faced complex trauma may have difficulty in the learning environment and require additional
Complex trauma …show more content…
The child may appear distant, or detached from reality and his or her surroundings. This can cause a child to be at risk for other forms of trauma and difficulties in learning. Additionally, this could present other risks in the child’s future such as deviant behaviors, or participating in illegal activities. Regulating behavior for a child who has experienced complex trauma is another aspect of long-term effects. Certain behaviors may be more prevalent, such as aggression, or being easily agitated, as self-regulation becomes a struggle. This could be related to the up bringing of the child, and being surrounded by a feeling of powerlessness in an abusive environment. In addition to regulating behavior are issues with cognition, or thinking clearly. Children who experience complex trauma may struggle with reasoning or problem solving. Studies have shown that children of abusive and neglectful parents demonstrate impaired cognitive functioning by late infancy when compared with nonabused children (Psychiatric Annals, 2005.) This could result in difficulty retaining new skills or information. They also may run into issues involving attention as they are easily distracted by reactions to trauma reminders. Some children who have faced complex trauma may have difficulty in the learning environment and require additional