Attachment and early brain development – neuroprotective interventions in infant–caregiver therapy

Abstract

Infancy is a critical developmental period involving establishment of the neurological underpinnings of psychological, affective and relational functioning. The integration of findings from developmental and attachment theories and neurodevelopment has contributed to greater understanding of the significance of early relationships and the developmental impact of interactional disturbance. This paper provides an overview of this framework and the implications for infant–caregiver interventions in high-risk dyads.