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Podcasts Take Two
Therapy is key to combating 'toxic stress' in babies
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Jun 23, 2014
Listen • 3:59
Therapy is key to combating 'toxic stress' in babies
An innovative program at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles tries to head off mental health issues in older children by improving their home lives when they're babies.
19 year-old Shantoya Byrd in front of her Los Angeles apartment complex where she and her daughter, Anmarie Paz, live. They have just waved goodbye to CHLA therapist, Lorena Samora, who visits weekly to provide coaching and assistance to deal with Anmarie's separation anxiety.
19 year-old Shantoya Byrd in front of her Los Angeles apartment complex where she and her daughter, Anmarie Paz, live. They have just waved goodbye to CHLA therapist, Lorena Samora, who visits weekly to provide coaching and assistance to deal with Anmarie's separation anxiety.
(
Deepa Fernandes / KPCC
)

An innovative program at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles tries to head off mental health issues in older children by improving their home lives when they're babies.

A phenomenon called Toxic Stress is gaining more attention. It's when infants and toddlers are subjected to psychological trauma.

Experts say prompt treatment is key to recovery, and sending therapists into affected children's homes may help kids recover from trauma. It's part of a push toward home visitation programs that many say are essential to improving these children's lives.     

KPCC's Deepa Fernandez reports.