When a child experiences trauma, the potential exists for disruption in the child’s healthy development (0-5 years of age). The nature of the trauma, its duration and complexity can create downstream affects if left unaddressed. Dr Bruce Perry, a renowned expert of childhood development outlines these key sequential, developmental markers:
- Attachment – healthy dyadic relationship between caregiver and child where child receives consistent nurturing support
- Self-Regulation – ability to contain self
- Affiliation – ability to be in relation to others/group
- Attunement – awareness that others are different
- Tolerance – acceptance of differences
- Respect – diversity is good and necessary
Disruption in the developmental sequence, due to trauma, can be addressed through early intervention. The earlier the intervention, in an environment that demonstrates consistency, patience, kindness and sensitivity, allows the child to process trauma and bring the body and mind back into a homeostatic state where safety and security are more firmly rooted.
Through My Mind's Eye 