Surviving the Trauma

Presented by Dee Paddock, Families with a Difference
NYS Citizens' Coalition for Children, Inc.
13th Annual Statewide Adoption Training Conference
Adoption 2002: Linking Promises to Possibilities
May 11, 2002 • Albany New York  

 

UNDERSTANDING THE TRAUMA DRAMA

 "Traumatized children exhibit profound sensitization of the neural-response patterns associated with their
traumatic experiences.The result is that full-blown response patterns (e.g., hyperarousal or dissociation)
can be elicited by apparently minor stressors."
(Bruce D. Perry, M.D.)

Stress sculpts the brain to exhibit various antisocial, though adaptive, behaviors...The impact of severe stress can leave an indelible imprint on its structures and function. Such streee, it seems, induces a cascade of molecular and neurobiological effects that irreversibly alter neural development.
(Maritn H. Teicher)

What is the Result of Abandonment, Neglect, Deprivation, Abuse,
Loss and Fear on the Developing Brain? 

Abstract/Concrete Thought
Cause & Effect Thinking
Learning
CORTICAL
(Childhood is the Period of Greatest
Devleopmental Activity)

Attachment
Attention
Emotional Reactivity
Sexual Behavior
LIMBIC
(Early Childhood is the Period of
Greatest Developmentatl Activity)

Arousal
Appetite
Sleep
Motor Regulation
MIDBRAIN
(Infancy is the Period
of Greatest Developmental Activity)

Heart Rate
Respiration
Blood Pressure
Body Tempature
BRAINSTEM
(In Utero is the Period of
Greatest Developmental Activity)
 

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6/21/02