| Statistics | Milestones | When does the brain stop developing | Experience-dependent | Critical periods & Plasticity | Nature vs nurture | The Early Years Matter | Show
Early childhood is a time of tremendous brain development. The young developing brain literally changes shape and size in response to everything encountered in the early years. New environments, life experiences, caretakers, and relationships can all affect the way complex brain circuits are wired. This network of synaptic connections will ultimately determine brain function and the development of behavior. Statistics
Early Developmental MilestonesHere are some of the brain development stages:
When Does the Brain Stop DevelopingOn average, the brain stops developing around age 25. Although an individual’s brain growth trajectory can vary slightly, most people’s healthy brain development is complete in their mid-20s. The prefrontal cortex is the last brain region to develop. However, it doesn’t mean the brain stops changing. Forming and changing interconnections in our brains is an ongoing process that takes place throughout our lives. Neuroplasticity allows new connections to form. But as we age, they do so at a much slower rate. The experience-dependent brainOne of the most prominent characteristics of child brain development is synaptic pruning. The network of synapses grows rapidly during the first year and continues to do so during toddlerhood. Life experience will activate certain neurons, create new brain connections and strengthen existing ones, called myelination. Unused connections will eventually be eliminated during synaptic pruning in the brain6. Synaptic pruning is the neuronal process in which unused neurons and synapses are eliminated to increase efficiency in neuronal transmissions. This process occurs between early childhood and puberty. Because early childhood experiences can literally shape the brain, babies can adapt flexibly to any environment they’re born into7. But that also means what parents do or don’t do during these formative years can have a profound impact on the child’s healthy development – mental health and physical health. Critical Periods & PlasticityWithin early childhood, developmental timing is also important. There are windows of time when different areas of the brain become relatively more sensitive to experiences. This period of childhood brain development is called a critical period or sensitive period. During critical periods or sensitive periods, synaptic connections in certain brain regions are more plastic and malleable. Connections are formed or strengthened given the appropriate experiences. After the critical period has passed, the synapses become stabilized and less plastic8. For example, language skills learning is much easier for young children. They can learn a non-native language and attain proficiency more easily before puberty. So the sensitive period for language development, especially second language, is from birth to before puberty. Also See: Benefits of Sensory Play to Brain Development Nature vs Nurture In Child DevelopmentBesides influencing a child’s brain architecture, early life experiences have other lifelong effects on a child’s development. A large amount of scientific evidence indicates that life experience can affect gene expression — how information in a gene is used (epigenetics) — in some cases by slowing or shutting the genes off, and in others by increasing their output9. This is why identical twins are not carbon copies of each other. Although their genes (DNA code) are identical, their epigenetic markers are different from birth and continue to diverge as they interact with the environment in distinctive ways. Even more important, these epigenetic changes can be permanent and passed down from generation to generation. In the age-old nature-versus-nurture debate, epigenetics offers a surprising middle ground. Genes are profoundly important, but so are environmental factors. Also See: Specific Learning Disability The Early Years MatterChildhood is a time of tremendous sensitivity, a time when everyday experiences, both positive and negative experiences, bestow lasting effects10. Developmental outcomes can be seriously impacted if kids are deprived of basic social and emotional nurturing in this developmental process. This is confirmed by various research. Differences in socioeconomic status (SES) in the early years of a child can result in disparities in brain structure. Extreme poverty is associated with lower gray matter volume and academic achievement11. Children who experienced early neglect tend to have lower cognitive abilities. Early neglect affects the organization of white matter in the prefrontal cortex affecting its cognitive function12. It also hinders emotional development affecting social behavior13. Also See: Asynchronous Development Of A Gifted Child And Their Unique Needs Parenting For Brain DevelopmentNeuroplasticity and epigenesis are two major cornerstones in understanding a child’s neurological development in the early years of life. While we don’t need to be perfect parents (and who can be?), good enough parenting can do a child tremendous good. Quality early experiences provide a strong foundation for a child’s healthy development. Among the different parenting styles, authoritative parenting is the best parenting style associated with the best outcomes. On the other hand, authoritarian parenting is associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACE). Chronic stress experienced by children of authoritarian parents can lead to toxic stress and an overreactive stress response nervous system. Early childhood education also plays an important role in a child’s cognitive development and growth. Finding good child care providers and choosing a quality preschool for your child can benefit their development in early childhood and in the long term. References
What are the stages of brain development?Child Brain Development Timeline. Sensorimotor Stage (birth to 2 years) During the sensorimotor stage, children learn about the world using their senses. ... . Preoperational Stage (Ages 2 to 7) Cognitive growth is still happening very fast during this stage. ... . Concrete Operational Stage (Ages 7 to 11). What are the 4 main area of brain development in babies and toddlers?Children's brains develop rapidly from ages birth through three. Brain development affects all areas of a child's growth. There are four main areas of development: motor (physical), language and communication, social and emotional, and cognitive.
Why is brain development important in the first two years of life?Why the early years count. In the first years of a child's life, their brain development will create the foundations for all learning and development later in life. While genetics provide the initial 'map' for development, it is everyday experiences and relationships that shape a child's brain.
What happens to the brain during the first two years of life?Neurons grow longer dendrites and axons, which allow them to make more connections, or synapses, with other cells. The number and density of synapses increase rapidly during the first years of life. A 2-year-old's brain is about 20% smaller than an adult brain but has 50% more synapses.
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