The Washington Post recently reported (April 6, 2009) on the impact of chronic stress in children. The article specifically looked at understanding why poor children struggle with health, academics, and socially. Researchers have identified that it is the stress of poverty, chronic in many situations, that leads to significantly lower working memory in stressed children.
The basic definition of working memory is of short term memory that a person can access and manipulate. Children with ADHD and other LD issues frequently have difficulty with working memory and poor working memory can impair learning and productivity. Therefore, chronic stress can significantly impact the cognitive ability of these children.
Some researchers feel there needs to be more work done to determine the deficits, but it is clear that helping kids cope and manage their own stress can be very beneficial. School intervention programs are rare, but with the current economic situation we owe it to the kids to teach them how to self calm and regulate stress before there are lasting effects.
COMMENTS / 2 COMMENTS
Always Tired - It Could Be Adrenal Exhaustion | HEALTHY LIVING TIPS added these pithy words on May 02 09 at 8:58 pm[...] Cognitive Therapy For Kids » Blog Archive » Chronic Stress Impairs … [...]
Unlocking Chronic Stress Will Change Your Life | Self Help Blog added these pithy words on May 10 09 at 6:50 pm[...] Cognitive Therapy For Kids » Blog Archive » Chronic Stress Impairs … [...]
SPEAK / ADD YOUR COMMENT
Comments are moderated.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
