Child abuse and neglect have been shown to cause important regions of the brain to fail to form or grow properly, resulting in impaired development. These alterations in brain maturation have long-term consequences for cognitive, language, and academic abilities and are connected with mental health disorders (Tarullo, 2012). According to research from the University of Queensland, children who have been victims of abuse or neglect are more likely to struggle academically throughout their teens.” Both child abuse and child neglect are independently associated with impaired cognition and academic functioning in adolescence,” Dr. Mills said. “These findings suggest that both abuse and neglect have …show more content…
Children's physical and emotional needs should be met reliably and safely, and abuse by one's parent damages the most fundamental relationship as a child. Without this base it can be hard on adult child abuse survivors to trust people or know who is trustworthy. This can lead to difficulty maintaining relationships because romantic relationships require trust and intimacy, and many times the adult doesn’t know what a good relationship is. It can be difficult for adult survivors to feel comfortable with others, and for those who do get in a relationship they have either a fear of being controlled or abused, or they become overwhelmed with doubt and