Early Childhood Trauma Research Paper

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Developmental trauma and cognitive functioning
Over 700, 000 children are determined to be victims of abuse or neglect annually (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). Exposure to traumatic events in childhood has significant effects on cognitive development (Pechtel & Pizzagalli, 2011; Veltman & Browne, 2001). Current research examining brain development suggests the type, magnitude and persistence of effects depend on when during development trauma exposure occurs (Andersen, et al., 2008; Pechtel & Pizzagalli). The brain undergoes rapid growth and reorganization throughout childhood, with the most rapid occurring between birth and age 2 (De Bellis, et al., 1999). As a result, early childhood trauma has considerable and enduring