Developmental and complex trauma in people with developmental disability
The experience of trauma, especially early in life, has been shown to contribute to developmental disability1. Developmental or complex trauma (sometimes referred to as ‘toxic stress’ or adverse childhood experiences) refers to the neurobiological impact of repetitive and multiple complex traumatic childhood experiences, typically within a relationship that should protect a child from harm. These experiences can include witnessing or experiencing domestic violence, a lack of consistent parenting due to parental mental health concerns and/or drug use or alcohol abuse, or result from emotional or physical abuse or neglect. Other personal or cultural experiences (eg racism, colonisation, sexism, homophobia, displacement or war) can exacerbate complex trauma.
People with developmental disability experience higher rates of adverse childhood experiences than the general population and may be particularly vulnerable to experiencing adversity during development. These experiences place them at further risk of poor physical and psychological health throughout their lives. Repeated loss and grief associated with frequent changes in support people can contribute to cumulative trauma for people with developmental disability.
For advice on prevention and support for people with developmental disability who have been exposed to abuse and trauma, see here.