Early Childhood
In early childhood, trauma can reduce the size of the cortex, which controls complex functions, such as language and memory.
It can also impact the brain’s ability to work between the hemispheres. This includes the parts of the brain that control emotions, which can lead to impaired ability to manage – or regulate – emotions as children grow older. This may also lead to a child feeling constantly fearful and unsafe.
School Age Children
In school-age children, trauma can impact the parts of the brain that are responsible for managing fears, learning, and impulse control. These children may also experience:
- Problems managing behavior or learning.
- Disrupted sleeping patterns.
- Significant difficulty in relationships with others, including caregivers, family, and siblings.
Adolescents
In adolescents, trauma can impact the development of the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for:
- Connecting behaviors and consequences
- Problem solving
- Inhibitions
- Impulse control
An under-developed prefrontal cortex increases the likelihood of:
- Risk-taking behavior
- Poor decision-making
- Poor school performance
- Involvement in criminal activity
