TY - JOUR PY - 2001// TI - Circuits and circumstances: the neurobiological consequences of early relationship experiences and how they shape later behaviour JO - Journal of child psychotherapy A1 - Balbernie, Robin SP - 237 EP - 237 VL - 27 IS - 3 N2 - The last decade has seen a vast increase in knowledge of how the human brain develops. It has been demonstrated that both the establishment of synaptic connections between neurones and the programming of neurochemical responses that have an effect on the whole body are dependent on experience. The most sensitive period for brain growth, the time of optimal plasticity, is over the first two or three years of life. If the baby's neurological development is threatened by abuse or neglect, which includes excessive attachment disruption, the damage may set its stamp on the rest of life. Keywords: Brain; Development; Neuroplasticity; Early; Trauma; Stress; Response

LA - SN - 0075-417X UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00754170110087531 ID - ref1 ER -