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Documents & Research

ARTICLES

The Long Reach of Early Childhood Trauma 

Research has linked exposure to abuse, neglect and other forms of severe adversity in childhood to a wide range of mental and physical diseases and disorders. Can understanding this make a profound change in the way we prevent illness?  The first article in a four-part series.

Changing Course 

Science suggests that having a secure relationship with a caregiver can help protect a child’s brain and body from the effects of adversity. A Connecticut program for very young children who have experienced trauma or other challenges has gotten results by focusing on that relationship – and the things that can interfere, including depression, family violence and a parent’s own history of trauma.  The second article in a four-part series.

From Brain Science To Stop & Shop 

From providing mental health care at the supermarket to training pediatricians in infant mental health, some in health care and social services are trying to apply the lessons of brain science and development to prevent problems that can threaten children’s health and well-being.  The third article in a four-part series.

Recognizing Trauma And Isolation 

Nelba Márquez-Greene’s family experienced a high-profile trauma when her daughter, Ana, was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. But before that, she understood trauma as a mental health professional. She says we need to do a better job of recognizing and responding when children need help.  The last article in a four-part series.

RESEARCH

The ACE Study

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest investigations ever conducted to assess associations between childhood maltreatment and later-life health and well-being.  The study is a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente’s Health Appraisal Clinic in San Diego.

The High / Scope Perry Preschool Study Through Age 40

The High/Scope Perry Preschool study is a scientific experiment that has identified both the short- and long-term effects of a high quality preschool education program for young children living in poverty.