It was once believed that children could easily “bounce back” after sustaining a brain injury, but it is now understood that children are just as vulnerable as adults. There is evidence that it can take longer for the effects of trauma to be seen in young people because their brains are still developing. For example, a preschooler with a frontal lobe injury may look fine a few weeks after the injury. However, as they get older and the brain matures, they may develop issues with learning and behavioral regulation.
What may have occurred when someone was a child could be continuing to affect them today. If an inmate mentions past trauma – even from years ago as a child – it is important to follow up with them and connect them to resources.
Learn more about age and brain injury by clicking the BRAIN Initiative article and video below:
