When exposed to constant stress, a child's brain develops ways to help them to properly cope with the stress. While these developments may be beneficial in the short term as they help the child to survive, the developments often prove to be maladaptive in other contexts. 

Xavier University

While neuroplasticity is prevalent across the lifespan, children's brains are especially neuroplastic. In order to learn and develop, children's brains take in information from the world around them. This can be a good thing when the child is living in a healthy, positive environment. However, it proves problematic when the child is consistently exposed to adversity. 

Childhood Traumatic Stress: Neuroplasticity and Its Effect on Children 

Thompson, R.A. (2014). Stress and child development. The Future of Children, 24(1). www.futureofchildren.org. 

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