Early trauma can also affect a child's cognitive development. Exposure to traumatic experiences can lead to poor concentration, memory difficulty, and problem-solving. Additionally, early trauma can increase the risk of learning disabilities and other developmental delays. Children who have experienced trauma often struggle with complex tasks and may have difficulty processing and retaining information (Schore, 2001).
On a neurobiological level, childhood trauma can also affect the development of the brain's neural pathways. When a child experiences trauma, the body releases high-stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can disrupt the development of the hippocampus, a region of the brain responsible for emotion and memory control. The disruption of the hippocampus can lead to cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, and difficulty with executive functioning. Exposure to trauma has been linked to deficits in self-regulation, attention, and working memory, as well as an increased risk of developing mental health illnesses like PTSD, anxiety, and depression (Nader et al, 1990).