Scans show childhood neglect
BRAIN scans of both healthy and mistreated toddlers have been compared by scientists, to illustrate the physical damage caused by childhood neglect.
A 20-year study found that negative early experiences had a physical impact on children’s development, which will affect them throughout their lives.
This was dramatically illustrated by the brain scans of two toddlers from very different backgrounds.
The image on the left is the much bigger, healthy brain of a three-year-old brought up in a nurturing environment.
The image on the right is of a child who has suffered extreme emotional trauma, abuse and neglect. The brain is smaller with blurry structures.
Professor Bruce Perry, chief of psychiatry at Texas Children’s Hospital, shared the images in a report on how childhood neglect affected cognitive development later in life.
He explained: “These images illustrate the negative impact that neglect has on the developing brain. The CT scan on the left is an image from a healthy three-year-old with an average head size. The image on the right is from a three-year-old child suffering from severe sensory-deprivation and neglect.
“This child’s brain is significantly smaller than average and has enlarged ventricles and cortical atrophy. This means they will suffer developmental delays and problems with memory.”
Isolated
Cortical atrophy, or shrinking of the brain, is more commonly seen in older people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Professor Perry said children and adults who have suffered emotional neglect can find it difficult to form healthy relationships. They may also have attachment issues, become dependent on one person or be socially isolated later in life.
The scans have been published to raise awareness of the phenomenon of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) – people with problematic behaviour resulting from their early life.
A conference was held last week to set up an awareness campaign in Gloucestershire.
Chris Spencer, director of children’s services at Gloucestershire County Council, believes it could revolutionise mental health treatment in schools.
He said: “In the past there have been a lot of exclusions.
“The system means children go to another school. But two head teachers told us they approach children with ACEs with a restorative approach.
“The message is to manage the problems within schools.”
Julian Moss, assistant chief constable of Gloucestershire police, said: “It would be criminal not to use the research.
“We need to put the science in the hands of teachers and public servants.
“Of course we still have to make arrests and take action on offences, but we’ll try to see the person instead of the crime.”