What is it?

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If a child's early relationship with their primary care giver is affected by experiencing or witnessing domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse, severe neglect, multiple placement moves, emotional abuse, deprivation ... and so on, they are at risk of developmental trauma.

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The impact of developmental trauma on our children and the children in our schools is significant.  It's influence on the child, and their interactions with others, will be affected by many things like exposure (frequency and intensity), the child's age, the availability of other healthier, positive relationships in the child's life as well as many other factors.  

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'We must never underestimate the level and intensity

of emotional pain and grief these particular (children) carry with them' (Louise Bomber, 2011).

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In order to function as healthy human beings, we require certain elements to be present in our early years.  These include, but are not limited to: attunement, belonging, boundaries, choices, comfort, cuddles, encouragement, friends, independence, language, learning, love, milk (food), play, safety, security, self-reliance, social skills, support, trust, understanding ... (Adoption UK, The Wall). 

 

When these 'building blocks' are lacking or are not available at the right time, you begin to see developmental trauma.

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