Hi Tenaya -
From my study, there are several academic centers studying impact of trauma-neglect ages 0-5. Here are the top 3 that I've found:
- Bruce Perry, MD PhD - Child Trauma Academy
www.childtrauma.org. Based on the recognition that the brain development occurs in a sequence from the bottom up, Dr. Perry and the CTA team have developed an assessment system (NMT - Neurosequential Model) that looks at function of key sections of the child's brain, and creates a map showing which functions have developed as expected and which functions lag behind typical children at that age. This map gives the clinicians and the family a functional picture of the child's capabilities. Therapeutic recommendations are offered to help family and clinical staff focus (in sequence) to promote brain development to help child achieve function more typical for age. Not surprisingly, as the child achieves mastery of core functions, there is less distress on the part of the child and improved behavior and emotional outcomes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
- Jack Shonkoff, MD - The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard. developingchild.harvard.edu. Rich repository of summary reports, research papers, videos, infographics describing the impact on young children of neglect and trauma. Two things that stand out for me: (1) recognition that emotional and physical neglect are more prevalent and more damaging ages 0-5 than trauma. (2) recognition by CDCH that the most powerful therapeutic tool is the family - the parent-child dyad. The Center strongly recommends not only support of the child, but direct support of the family (with primary caregiver usually the mother).
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network. nctsn.org. Another outstanding resource of research material, parent education, videos, etc. plus an on-line community.
BEST WISHES
Pat Rush