Young children use their attachment figure as a secure base for exploring understanding the world around them. The relationship between child and caregiver lays the groundwork for interpersonal connections throughout the lifespan. When attachment is derailed, children may display confusing behaviors and struggle to trust even loving, safe caregivers. Although this is a sobering reality, there is hope for these children. By understanding the importance of attachment needs, we can help these children begin to trust the adults who care for them.
From the time we are born, our brains have 100 billion neurons and begin to form synaptic connections that make up who we are and how we function. Tragically, severe or prolonged abuse or neglect manifests in toxic stress which derails brain development and can even affect the immune system. This cycle is all too common for children from hard places of abuse, neglect, and/or trauma. Watch as this TBRI Animate explains the complexity of the human brain, the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and the hope for healing in trust-based relationships.
Dr. Janina Fisher, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Instructor at the Trauma Center, traces the evolution of dysregulated babies into the window of tolerance and explains the concept of developmental trauma in a most simplistic manner that is easy to understand.