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Proof-Abused Infants Can Be Abusive Adults
Tuesday, 5 September 2000, 5:33 pm
Press Release: Supplied via Mediacom press release distribution MEDIACOM-RELEASE-PENGUIN-BOOKS-NZ-LTD
SCIENTIFIC PROOF-ABUSED INFANTS CAN GROW UP TO BE ABUSIVE ADULTS
New evidence proving that children damaged at an early age can grow up
to be abusive adults is highlighted in Brainy Babies, the new book from
leading New Zealand paediatrician and child abuse expert, Dr Robin Fancourt.
Released today, the book sheds light on the child abuse debate by showing
the results of research into infant brain development and explaining the
physiological effects of abuse on a developing brain.
"Neglect or abuse can impair or destroy the development of the brain,
leading to disastrous results for children. Scars are actually burnt into
the brain stem," says Dr Fancourt.
The brain grows faster in a stimulating and caring environment. An 8-month-old
baby could have 25% more brain connections than an under-stimulated child.
A 2-year-old, surrounded by caring adults may know more than 300 more
words than a deprived child.
The speed at which the infant brain develops is astronomical, stressing
the need for swift intervention. "The judge who decides that more
physical evidence is needed to remove a two-year-old child from her home
and asks for a review in six months is making a dangerous decision. Several
months can permanently impair brain development of the two-year old."
Driven by fear and terror a child's brain development is shaped by the
persistent activation of the survival response. This reduces the child's
capacity to process other experiences, can affect memory, hinder the ability
to learn and suppress the immune system, leaving the child to see the
entire world as dangerous. These children then either turn their pain
inwards or pass it on to others in destructive ways of abuse, continuing
the cycle of abuse.
Subject related articles:
Editorial
by Ushanda io Elima
Original Article: "Childhood abuse hurts the brain"
Link:www.news.harvard.edu
The article, "Childhood abuse hurts the brain," by William J.
Cromie does us a service. Although the information is not new (Please
see Resources below.), it is presented in clear, concise form. And since
the study of focus comes from Martin Teicher, an associate professor of
psychiatry at Harvard Medical School [italics mine], more readers may
take it seriously.
Infant
abuse not linked to genetics
Tue 28 Jun 2005 11:59 am CST
CHICAGO (myDNA News)
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