Understanding the impact of trauma on brain development is essential for providing effective care to children and young people in out-of-home care. This course provides a clear foundation in how the brain typically develops, followed by an exploration of how early trauma can disrupt this process and influence behaviour, emotions, and learning.
Key Areas of Learning:
- Typical brain development during pregnancy and early childhood
- Functions of the brain stem, and the left and right hemispheres
- Emotional development and its effect on the infant brain
- The overactive fight-or-flight response in traumatised children
- The role of the environment in shaping brain development
- How early abuse and adverse experiences affect neurological growth
- The impact of trauma on learning and daily functioning
- Case studies applying theory to real-world care scenarios
