Impact on Child Development

Child maltreatment during infancy and early childhood has been shown to negatively affect child development, including brain and cognitive development, attachment, and academic achievement. Child abuse and neglect can have enduring physical, intellectual, and psychological repercussions into adolescence and adulthood.

• Brain/cognitive development
• Attachment
• Academic achievement

Child Abuse and Neglect: Consequences
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016)
Analyzes child abuse and neglect in terms of the physical, psychological, behavioral, and economic effects.

The Effects of Abuse and Neglect on Child Development (PDF - 523 KB)
Center for Child Welfare (2011)
Reviews the four child development domains, environmental influences of child development, normal developmental milestones and stages, and the effects of maltreatment on child development.

Impact of Child Abuse
Blue Knot Foundation (2017)
Focuses on the physical and emotional consequences of child abuse, with specific emphasis on its long-term consequences in adolescence.

InBrief: The Impact of Early Adversity on Children’s Development
Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University (2007)
Frames the effect of childhood trauma on brain development within a discussion of the lifelong implications.

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