As a survivor of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome I have a special passion for those children who suffer as well. There is emerging evidence that the "toxic stress" , such as poverty, maltreatment, abuse, etc., interacts with genetic vulnerabilities to cause permanent structural and functional changes to the brain (Klein, Gorter & Rosenbaum. 2013. pg. 765). Those children who exhibit developmental problems such as ASD or FASD often receive support services. Children who develop issues due to stress factors, such as SDHD or ODD often do not receive support and carry damaging stigma. No real studies can be done in this area becasue the experiments would have to be conducted allowing abusive parents to continue to do so. Children who suffer these various stress factors often develop PTSD which goes diagnosed due to behavioral issues. The issues which may present themselves are learning disabilities, behavioral concerns, attachment issues, with-drawn, shyness, and so-on. When a child acts out in the classroom we must look closely at what else may be going on.
Resource:
Klein, B., Gorter, J. & Rosenbaum, P. (2013). Diagnostic shortfalls in early childhood chronic stress: a review of the issues. Child: Care, health & Development. 39(6)765-771.
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. Many children that experience toxic stress can over come it and develop resiliency if they have positive, supportive caregivers.
Hi Jennifer, your blog is nice, it was a joy to read. Yhank you sharing your life experience.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, thank you for sharing this topic. It is something I deal with very commonly with working with military children as well as having my children being military "brats". Having knowledge about these diorders is very important to be able to support those who suffer.
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