Before Words: The Hidden Impact of Early Childhood Trauma

The Link Between Preverbal Trauma and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)

The Preverbal experience is our life before language is formed. 

If an infant is lucky enough and all goes smoothly—no medical trauma at birth, no relational trauma shortly after, such as postpartum depression or physical or sexual abuse—then the brain's developmental trajectory is normal. However, if the child is not so lucky, which unfortunately is more often the case, and an infant experiences trauma before birth, during birth, or within the first two years, this is known as Preverbal Trauma (PVT). This directly impacts the development of the growing brain. 

The effects of preverbal trauma are often not noticeable and are overlooked for years. 

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is the result of continued unresolved traumatic experiences. 

The connection between the two, Preverbal Trauma and CPTSD, can be at the core of repeated traumas throughout the lifespan. It starts out small, unresolved traumas from birth can haunt us and can result in a diagnosis of CPTSD later in life. 

This PVT stems from everyday parental stress, compounded by the misunderstanding of childhood behavior. Delayed brain development is known to impact social ability, decision-making, and self-regulation. All this results in problems in school, poor choices, and emotional immaturity.

With early intervention, deep understanding, and a compassionate approach to these behaviors, we can prevent long-lasting difficulties.

We know the benefits of early intervention with infants who are diagnosed early with mental handicaps, such as Down syndrome, autism, and a myriad of other diagnosable handicaps. Preverbal trauma is one that seems to be ignored. It is not common practice that a new mother is made aware of how preverbal trauma can impact her child, or what it even looks like.Preverbal trauma is like a shadow in the nursery no one sees, mainly because we are not aware of the damage it can do until years later. If not approached correctly, it can be misdiagnosed, and if left too long, the fallout can lead to ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), which can lead to CD (Conduct Disorder), which often leads the now-adult to jail.

PVT, preverbal trauma, starts out harmless, but without proper understanding and interventions, it can have devastating results—specifically, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).

We could approach every high risk birth or medical intervention at a very young age, even a car accident can leave its trauma mark on a developing brain, if we educate young families how their child may be impacted we could perhaps avoid many issues in the future. 

If we were to approach every high-risk birth or medical intervention at a very young age—even a car accident can leave its trauma mark on a developing brain—and educate young families on how their child may be impacted, we could perhaps avoid many issues in the future.

Raising a child through unexplained behavioral challenges can feel isolating, but help is available. Does any of this resonate with your family's journey? If you have questions about preverbal trauma or want to explore how early intervention can make a difference, feel free to drop a message in the comments or contact us directly to schedule a confidential conversation.