The Basis of Brainwave – Critical Research

We know conclusively that:

A baby’s brain is only 15% formed at birth with the majority of the remaining 85% being formed in the first three years of life.

• A child’s early experiences are critical for their brains to form the connections they need to progress.
• The experiences in these early years have a direct impact on how a child’s brain develops.A child’s brain is actually more active than an adult’s brain.

We know that both genes and experience are important. Consistent nurturing and positive rich experiences result in flexible, responsible, empathetic and intelligent members of society. Neglect, chaotic environments, violence and abuse can result in aggressive, remorseless and intellectually starved members of society.

Many of New Zealand’s staggering crime, mental illness and unemployment figures are related to early childhood trauma or neglect.

It is recognised and now scientifically proven that the early childhood years profoundly affect adult life and in turn affect the society we live in.

This website contains information relevant to every person in New Zealand. We have provided targeted information for different groups of people interested in this information and committed to giving New Zealand’s children the best possible start in life.

Dealing with Abuse, Trauma & Neglect – a Health Workers Perspective

Negative experiences which can impact negatively on brain development include abuse, trauma and neglect.
 
When the developing brains of children in early childhood are controlled by experiences, it is no surprise that the results are negative when these experiences are of persistent fear and danger. When we face danger the brain releases hormones so that we can respond to that danger quickly. These hormones are for `fight or flight.’
 
The origins of the stress response take place in the brain stem – a bump at the base of the brain.  When the stress response is activated, the cerebral cortex – the area of the brain which allows us to think – shuts down. At least 30 hormones, or chemical neurotransmitters, are involved in brain functions. Catecholamines and cortisol in particular are most important in the damage aspects of brain development. Read more