Child Neglect and Its Consequences

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Recommended: Importance of attachment in child development

This paper explores the numerous effects neglect has on a child's development. If a child lacks the necessary attachment and stimulation during the critical first years, they will have profound developmental issues throughout life. Possibly the most important aspects that are affected by neglect are the brain and a child's social development. Looking into the case of the Romanian orphans, readers will be able to see the harsh consequences. Severe neglect is child abuse that often goes unnoticed and is hard to reverse. By understanding the implications of neglect, we can intervene earlier in order to prevent severe cases from becoming irrevocable.

Keywords: neglect, attachment, development

Introduction

Neglect affects every aspect of a child's life. From not being able to form secure attachments to difficulties in developing cognitive abilities. Neglect is defined as mistreatment in which the caregiver fails to provide appropriate care. Neglect can take form in physical, educational, emotional, and medical negligence. The first few years of a child's life is a critical time in which they must receive the necessary love and stimulation in order to develop normally. If these needs are not met there can be devastating, life-long effects. Psychological neglect leads to low brain activity in the essential areas such as language and emotional perception. One of the most detrimental possible consequences is that children may develop reactive attachment disorder (RAD). RAD is characterized by the persistent lack of social responsiveness and an inability to form selective attachments (Pignotti, 2011, p.33). Once a child has lived through years of cruel neglect, it is an almost impossible task ...

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...ment disorder—a theoretical model beyond attachment. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 15(6), 336-342.

Palla, B, Ünalacak, M, & Ünlüoğlu, I. (2011). Child maltreatment: abuse and neglect. Dicle Medical Journal, 38(1), 121-127.

Pignotti, M. (2011). Reactive attachment disorder and international adoption. The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice, 8(1), 30-49.

Vanderwert, R., Marshall, P., Nelson III, C., Zeanah, C., & Fox, N. (2010). Timing of intervention affects brain electrical activity in children exposed to severe psychosocial neglect. Public Library of Science, 5(7), 1-5.

Zeedyk, S., Davies, C., Parry, S., & Caldwell, P. (2009). Fostering social engagement in Romanian children with communicative impairments: the experiences of newly trained practitioners of intensive interaction. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 37(3), 186- 196.

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