Trauma psychologist explains what 2 boys could face in recovery from years of neglect

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Trauma experts are weighing in on what the two children who were rescued from their home could face in the months and years ahead.

He says it could be a long road to recovery for the two boys, complicated by the fact that their mother is responsible for the alleged neglect.

Authorities have not shared any more information on the boys' condition. Their mother remains in jail.

Dr. Chad Wetterneck, Clinical Director of Trauma Recovery Services at Rogers Behavioral Health, said it's likely real damage was done over the past three-plus years, and it will take a long time to repair it. "Post-traumatic stress, other types of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, behavioral problems," he said.

He added years of alleged neglect and confinement have likely harmed their brain development, and impacted their impulse control, memory, ability to learn, motor development and language skills.

Dr. Wetterneck said, "They're going to see reductions in their overall brain volume, with some parts of the brain more affected than others."

What makes it even worse, he said, is the damage came at the hands of a caretaker, not a stranger. "These are things we would consider to be traumatic for anyone, and definitely a child especially with people they are supposed to be able to trust."

For years, Katie Koch and Joel Manke posted publicly on social media, but behind the scenes authorities allege they locked Koch's two boys in a feces-covered room and did not let them out.

Dr. Wetterneck believes it will have profound effects, impacting their learning ability, and their ability to trust people.

But he said it's important to know there are treatments for all the conditions the boys will likely face.

They'll likely need more therapy than most people, and they'll need to be with someone they can trust who will be in their lives for a long time.

Dr. Wetterneck said, "They probably need something that's going to be pretty intensive in terms of treatment. Likely something that might consist of residential treatment."

Joel Manke is no longer in custody after posting bail, but he did not respond to messages.

Katie Koch remains in custody. Her bail is $30,000.