The Lifelong Effects of Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress

Published by the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, this article discusses the emerging fields of neuroscience and the impact adverse childhood experiences have on the social, emotional and physical well-being of children. Based on research conducted by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child at Harvard University, the authors discuss the long-term consequences for learning, behavior, physical and mental health when individuals are exposed to extreme poverty, neglect, abuse, or severe maternal depression.