The effect of trauma on the brain development of children

This practice paper provides an overview of what we know from research about cognitive development in children who have experienced trauma, and provides principles to support effective practice responses to those children’s trauma. Key messages: Children in care experience symptoms and difficulties associated with complex trauma, however these may also be related to a number of other early life adversities such as ante-natal exposure to alcohol, placement instability, poverty, neglect, and pervasive developmental issues. Practice and policy documents focus on trauma-informed interventions to improve cognitive functioning; however there has been very little critical research that links trauma and cognitive development, or the interventions that are effective in helping affected children. Interventions that target complex trauma are necessary, but may not be sufficient to meet the developmental needs of children in care. Some principles to keep in mind for supporting children who have been traumatised include: –– provide safe environments; –– support children and caregivers to understand links between traumatic experiences and cognitive difficulties; –– develop and support positive relationships in children’s lives; –– offer all children in care targeted trauma-specific interventions; –– maintain these interventions throughout childhood and adolescence; and –– ensure separate cognitive difficulties are addressed directly. &nbsp