Even though a baby is born with 100 billion brain cells, the connections between these cells form over time.  These connections, called neural pathways, are like the wiring in a house or highways that connect one part of the brain to the other.

When  a child is exposed to trauma these pathways form differently, or simply fail to form. Its like a two track and a road and a paved road. If a child experiences trauma and then goes to school or to other situations where the behaviors or emotions 

-The brain triggers the release of adrenaline, cortisol, and other stress hormones.  These chemicals activate the systems you need to immediately respond to the threat- either by fighting back, getting away, or freezing.

-The area of the brain that prompts the response is sometimes called “primitive brain”.  It is the first part of the brain to develop and controls the most basic functions and reactions that we need to survive- including fear, anger, sexual responses and memory.  It’s the primitive brain that enables us to make the split second decisions that protect us in a dangerous situation.

-Other, more advanced parts of the brain are responsible for thinking, reasoning and consciously processing information.  These areas of the brain help to analyze the threat and signal the primitive brain to stop pumping out stress hormones so the body’s systems can return to normal.  

-When you realize that you’re looking at a stick and not a snake, you feel yourself relax- you know that those higher centers have done their job.  

-But in children exposed to severe or chronic trauma, the emergency response system can get stuck in the “on” position.

-The stress hormones keep flowing and make it harder for the parts of the brain that think and plan to work efficiently.  The stress hormones and related brain chemicals that are generated actually get in the way of rational thinking.  

     competencies in:

•   cognitive functioning

• emotional regulation

• Interpersonal relationships

     competencies in:

•   cognitive functioning

• emotional regulation

• Interpersonal relationships

     competencies in:

•   cognitive functioning

• emotional regulation

• Interpersonal relationships