Consequences of Stress on Child Development
A Personal Story…
Before my niece was adopted she had spent the first 14 months of her life institutionalized in a Chinese orphanage. My brother and his wife brought home a beautiful healthy little girl. She has overcome both physical and mental delays, issues with sensory, and has recently been diagnosed with little to no short term memory and is Dyslexic. Doctors do attribute these delays to being abandoned as a newborn and the lack of stimulus during the first 14 months. With each new development the family has reached out for support from Physical therapists, counselors, and most recently a local University that has administered tests to help diagnose her current obstacles. My niece is home schooled and is able to receive one on one attention with her academics. The curriculum that is taught to her is specific to her needs and will help her with memory and Dyslexia. I spent the weekend with my brother and his family and my niece is developing into a beautiful happy young girl. She has overcome so much and will continue to do so because of the unconditional love and wonderful resources that they are able to provide her with.
Across The World…
Natural disasters can be very traumatic for children due to their lack of knowledge and not being prepared. The earthquake in Haiti left many children homeless, without food and water, loss of either one or both parents. Children quickly began imitating adults around them and could be seen digging in the dirt like the adults who were sifting through the rubble trying so desperately to find and rescue anyone who was still alive. Physically and mentally the welfare of the children was in jeopardy. The effects of disaster hit children hard and can take much longer for them to overcome. Psychologists say that for recovery to take place routines need to continue as soon as possible. For the children in Haiti a routine that is starting to continue is education. Schools are being rebuilt and children are returning to school. The process of hope and recovery has begun.
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I thought your story was moving and enlightening at the same time. Your story showed how important it is for children to grow up in a stimulating and loving environment from an early age on. Even though after her adoption, your niece seemed to have caring people in her life, the lack of stimuli and love still caused her to have developmental delays. I think it is great that your brother and his wife made it posible for your niece to get the help she needs. This shows that caring people can make a difference in a child's life. I also think it is great that your niece has now a great chance in life to succeed.
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. Your family is doing a very nice job with their child. It would be nice if all of the less fortunate children had loving people who were willing step in and make sure that their well being was looked after.