Dangers of Stress A child's brain must have relief from excessive stress in order to re-establish balance. Without relief, chronic stress, neglect and trauma during childhood can permanently alter brain development. Synapse formation, myelination and pruning may be delayed. The connections that are formed in the brain as a result of ongoing stressful conditions will most likely be those that ensure survival.

A child reared in conditions of extreme neglect and deprivation will have a smaller, less active brain than a child who experiences the richness of daily life in an active, supportive environment. When a child does not have sufficient positive interactions with adults, sufficient food or when she is confined to her crib, brain development can be impaired. The earlier and more serious the neglect is, the more devastating the developmental problems can be for the child.

Repeated exposure to traumatic violence can alter brain development. The intensity and frequency of trauma determine how the brain internalizes a traumatic event. The region of the brain activated by a trauma or a memory of the trauma is the "fight or flight" center of the brain's limbic system. A "fight or flight"response to trauma could include impulsiveness or withdrawal, both as efforts to protect herself. So, a child reacts without thinking and strikes out or withdraws to protect herself.

A child who experiences chronic stress from trauma or neglect:

may not do well in school
may not be able to learn or process new information
may exhibit aggressive behavior
may not be able to develop caring relationships with others
will reflect the environment in which she has been raised

Short-term stress does not harm brain development. Development is much more likely to be affected when stress becomes excessive or chronic. Consistently positive environments help wire a child's brain to be able to cope during stressful times.