Early Childhood Trauma Research Paper

How Does Early Childhood Neglect and Trauma Influence Cognitive, Physiological, and Emotional Development?
Background Information
Numerous studies, and copious amounts of research, time, and money has been utilized in an attempt to understand human brain function, and the effect of stressors on development of a healthy brain. 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 said trauma. One of the most interesting examples of this investigation is seen in Chapter 10 of the book, The Kindness of Children, a chapter that explores the story of an adopted Russian child named Peter, who experienced extreme …show more content…
Overall, Perry, B. D. (2008) goes into great detail in this case and chapter, attempting to further understand just how early neglect and treatment …show more content…
D. (2008) has obviously gathered more information and a higher skill set in regards to treating abused and neglected children, as Perry treats this case with professionalism and unbridled insight. Throughout the beginning of Peter’s case, Perry, B. D., realized that the family struggled to get to him in order to receive help, and adjusted his treatment plan in order to account for their short time together, taking steps to examine both Peter’s brain, as well as the skills in which he is proficient and lacking in, which was done quickly and thoroughly (p.216-17). The fast-paced program meant there was no room for error, and so Perry, B. D. (2008) teamed up with a plethora of specialists, in order to gather information on Peter’s past from schools, doctors, and mental health specialists, which allowed the team to decide on a fundamental diagnosis and treatment, which involved a neurosequential approach (p.216-17). The neurosequential approach Perry, B. D. (2008) proposes that children who have experienced severe neglect and trauma need positive experiences appropriate for the time at which they encountered the negativity (p.217). Further into the case, Perry, B. D. (2008) explains how the trauma truly affected Peter to Amy and Jason, to make sure that they have the knowledge and peace of mind that while Peter is definitely stunted, reinforced affection and parental care based on his cognitive age can help his brain

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