The CT Mirror is featuring a series of reports on childhood trauma, adversity and health. A growing body of research is  links between childhood abuse and neglect, and a wide range of mental and physical illnesses.

A key way to target adult diseases, reduce health care costs and address a host of problems throughout life is to start early, focusing not on symptoms of illness but childhood adversity and the factors that can protect against its effects. That includes identifying and treating trauma early, to stem deeper problems from developing.

Click here to view the first of the four-part series.