Infancy is an important phase for the psychophysical formation of the person in his/her future life. Being born and growing up in a healthy environment, being exposed to the right sensory experiences as well as the right social interactions, is important for the child's cognitive-behavioral development. There are many critical events that can be experienced between the neonatal period and the first year of life that further influence infant’s outcomes.
Among the leading causes of risk for neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes are recognizable medical and psychosocial factors (e.g., medical conditions like premature birth, asphyxia, sepsis, congenital defects, brain injury as well as early exposure to pain, and suboptimal nutrition), are important elements to consider when talking about short and long-term outcomes. On the other hand, psychological factors like the early separation from the mother, the quality of interaction between caregiver and neonate, as well as the family environment and the socio-economic context, are key elements to investigate in order to completely understand the psychological-behavioral development of the infant.
The purpose of this Research Topic is to try to collect as much information as possible concerning the association between traumatic events that occurred in infancy and its consequences on the psycho-physical development of the person. There is an actual need to investigate and understand the impact of early traumatic event/conditions on the motor, cognitive and behavioral outcomes by focusing on a trans-diagnostic view of symptoms to understand consequences, aetiology, epidemiology, and psychosocial mechanisms of early trauma in infancy. Finally, the information acquired in this special issue aim at shading light on prevention and treatment strategies that could ameliorate outcomes in the previously mentioned fields.
Beside original contributions, we are also delighted to receive reviews, meta-analyses, and case studies.
• Understanding the impact of several neonatal medical conditions on short and long neurodevelopmental outcomes
• Understanding the impact of NICU/PICU admission during the neonatal period on neurodevelopmental outcomes
• Understanding the impact of traumatic neonatal experience on bonding, mother-child interaction, and future emerge of cognitive/behavioral problems.
• Understanding risk and resilience of traumatic event in infancy
• Understanding psychological and physiological impact of early traumatic experiences on the individual across the lifespan. Further, how to prevent and treat traumatic stress in this population
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geliatida