The Effects of Trauma on Brain Development
Effects of Trauma on Brain Development
According to Perry and Szlavitz (2017) there are 86 billion neurons or brain cells. The brain starts to develop in the womb, and these cells are organized into webs of connected neurons. There are four major parts: the brainstem, the diencephalon (interbrain), the limbic system, and the cortex.
The Center of the Developing Child at Harvard (2019) emphasizes that 90% of a child’s brain development happens before the age of five.
The brain is especially vulnerable during early childhood and adolescence. Trauma during this critical period of brain development can have significant, long-lasting effects on the brain's structure and function the effects of trauma (Perry & Szlavitz, 2017). It can significantly impact the following:
The brainstem controls core regulatory functions (body temp, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure)
The diencephalon and limbic system control emotional responses (fear, hatred, love, joy)
The cortex handles speech and language, abstract thinking, planning, and decision making
Severe trauma, or adverse childhood experiences, can leave children in a constant state of fear and anxiety, which can inevitably change the developing brain. Impact on a child's ability to learn, form memories, regulate emotions, learn new things, think, reflect, and respond. Trauma can also disrupt the development of social skills and healthy attachments, leading to challenges in forming or maintaining relationships with others (Perry & Szlavitz, 2017).
Techniques & Skills
Perry and Szlavitz (2017) find that when working with children who have experienced significant trauma, adjusting your temperament and reaction to their behavior (regardless of their chronological age) will have a tremendous success rate. For example, if a 10 year old child who has witnessed trauma has “toddler-like” behaviors, then matching our perspectives and actions to their behavior is actually exactly what they need.
Similarly, teaching trauma survivors techniques or skills to help regulate emotions during heightened states of distress is equally important. Here are some grounding exercises that are easy to adapt:
5-4-3-2-1: five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste
Body scan: mindfully focus on each part of your body, starting from your toes and moving upward, noticing any sensations or tension
Box breathing: using a count of four, imagine drawing a box, as you draw the line up take a deep breath in, as you draw across slowly breathe out, and continue around the box for several minutes
Tense and relax: muscle groups to release physical tension and promote relaxation
Additionally, practicing mindfulness daily can lead to a more balanced state overall:
Meditation: observes thoughts and feelings without judgment, promotes a sense of acceptance and decreases negative emotions
Journaling: writing about traumatic experiences can help process emotions and offer reflections into deeper thoughts and feelings; also serves as a form of emotional release
Art therapy: drawing, painting, or sculpting, can provide an outlet for emotions that may be challenging to express verbally
Self-compassion exercises: try treating yourself with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that their experiences are valid and that healing is a process
Finally, seeking social support from trusted friends, family members, or support groups is empowering and build confidence. Here are some additional examples of engaging:
Create a routine: structure in daily life can help provide a sense of stability and control
Physical activity: regular exercise can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being
Seek professional help: try working with a therapist who specializes in trauma treatment; or dial 988 to speak with a trained crisis personnel 24-7.
Written by: Christi Oliver
References
The President and Fellows of Harvard College. (2019, August 20). Brain architecture. Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/brainarchitecture
Linn, A. (2018, January 21). Science reveals severe childhood trauma can alter developing brain, creates lifetime risk. News. https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2018/01/21/severechildhood-trauma-alter-developing-brain-create-lifetime-risk/1039104001
Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. (2017). The boy who was raised as a dog: And other stories from a child psychiatrist’s notebook: What traumatized children can teach us about loss, love, and healing. Basic.