Trauma that occurs during critical periods of child development, disrupting normal brain development and attachment formation. It typically results from chronic neglect, abuse, or inconsistent caregiving during infancy and childhood.
Emerged in developmental psychology in the late 20th century, combining 'developmental' from French 'développer' meaning to unwrap or unfold, with 'trauma' from Greek. The concept reflects growing understanding of how early experiences shape brain architecture.
Developmental trauma affects the brain's stress response system so profoundly that children may struggle with basic functions like sleeping, eating, and learning - their nervous systems are literally wired for survival rather than growth. The good news is that the same neuroplasticity that made them vulnerable also makes healing possible.
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