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Neglect

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Extensive scientific evidence has shown that severe neglect and chronic under-stimulation in an institutional setting (i.e. orphanage) can lead to abnormalities in the way that the brain is structured. “Neglect – also sometimes referred to as deprivation – refers to the absence of sufficient attention, responsiveness, and protection that are appropriate to the age and needs of a child. Severe Neglect In An Institutional Setting – features 'Warehouse-like' conditions with many children, few caregivers, and no individualized adult-child relationships that are reliably responsive. Basic survival needs may be met, but lack of individualized adult responsiveness can lead to severe impairments in cognitive, physical, and psychosocial development.” [15]

The effects of severe neglect are built into the child's brain architecture causing weak and damaged neural circuitry. Severe neglect is especially damaging in early childhood (birth – 6 years old) when the brain is rapidly developing. This damage creates significant lifelong learning, behavior, physical and mental health problems. [9] [10]

Severe neglect and chronic under-stimulation are two serious problems that need to be addressed in institutional settings in developing nations. These problems lead to toxic stress and abnormal brain development, creating life-long serious consequences not only for the individual but also for society. [15] [9] [10] Addressing these problems will play a pivotal role in ending the cycle of poverty. [30]

There are currently over 153 million orphaned children in the world, the majority of whom are currently experiencing toxic stress , severe neglect, and chronic under-stimulation. [19] [22]




Problems associated with children who have experienced severe neglect:

Abnormal
• Brain structure and function
• Brain activity involved in emotion and stress regulation
• Development of biological stress response systems
• Physical development

Difficulty
• Interpreting facial expressions to identify emotions
• Recognizing different emotions in others
• Controlling impulses
• Attention regulation
• With visual memory
• With peer interaction

[15]

Delayed
• Brain growth
• Physical growth 
• Language skills

Increased Risk
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Infections
• Premature death
• Stress-related diseases throughout life 
• Emotional and behavioral problems 
• Personality disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Cognitive problems
• Academic delays
• Antisocial personality disorder 
• Being arrested for a violent crime
Decreased
• Neural electrical activity 
• Brain metabolism 
• Enthusiasm
• Confidence
• Assertiveness 
• Reading skills

Underdeveloped
• Neural connections
• Executive functions
• Brain regions used for thinking, learning, focusing attention, controlling emotions, and managing stress









The images below are examples of severe neglect leading to toxic stress and demonstrate the physical way that severe neglect and toxic stress affect physical development. 




References
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Orion Children International is a non-profit corporation that operates exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. EIN: 47-2026853
Orion Children International provides high-quality development, education, and nutrition programs to all orphaned children and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability in its programs and activities. 
  • Home
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    • Early Childhood Development >
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      • Health
      • Social Emotional
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    • TOT
    • Not a Statistic
  • The Brain
    • Brain Architecture
    • Neglect
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