The impact of abuse and neglect on neurological development

Although most of the literature on feral children concentrates on language development, there are many other aspects of cognitive development that are affected by neglect, abuse and malnutrition.

The effects of the childhood environment, favorable or unfavorable, interact with all the processes of neurodevelopment (neurogenesis, migration, differentiation, apoptosis, arborization, synaptogenesis, synaptic sculpting, and myelination).
(Dr Bruce D Perry, Childhood Experience and the Expression of Genetic Potential, my emphasis)

When we look at the evidence from feral children and other cases of severe neglect on the ability of children to learn language and socialise, it should come as no surprise that the lack of effective nurture has a profound impact on the developing brain.

On autopsy, the brain of Kasper Hauser was notable for small cortical size and few, non-distinct cortical gyri — all consistent with cortical atrophy
(Dr Bruce D Perry, Childhood Experience and the Expression of Genetic Potential)

The developing brain

Studies of childhood abuse and neglect have important lessons for considerations of nature and nurture. While each child has unique genetic potentials, both human and animal studies point to important needs that every child has, and severe long-term consequences for brain function if those needs are not met. The effects of the childhood environment, favorable or unfavorable, interact with all the processes of neurodevelopment.
(Dr Bruce D Perry, Childhood Experience and the Expression of Genetic Potential)

James W Prescott, one of the editors of Brain Function and Malnutrition…, has a very interesting web site The Origins of Peace and Violence, dealing with attachment issues, violence against children, and developmental issues that create violent children and adults. In particular, it highlights the role of physical affection during development in the genesis of violent behavioural patterns.

Read more online

In Childhood Experience and the Expression of Genetic Potential: What Childhood Neglect Tells Us About Nature and Nurture, Dr Bruce D Perry of the Child Trauma Academy presents evidence from abuse studies which show that so great is the impact of the absence of normal human interaction and social stimulation suffered by feral, isolated and confined children, that brain development, both of caring behaviour and cognitive capacities, is damaged in a lasting fashion.

Another excellent article available online is Child Abuse and Neglect and the Brain by Danya Glaser.

The very same neurodevelopmental sensitivity that allows amazing developmental advances in response to predictable, nurturing, repetitive and enriching experiences make the developing child vulnerable to adverse experiences.
(Dr Bruce D Perry, Childhood Experience and the Expression of Genetic Potential)