Pre-adult brain development (Biological)

Pre-adult brain development (Biological)

Brain Development Phases

  • The brain development starts prenatally and continues into early adulthood, with different areas maturing at different rates.

  • The prenatal phase, in which neurons (nerve cells) are created and begin forming connections. Synaptogenesis and pruning occurs during this period.

  • The postnatal phase, where the brain grows and develops rapidly. It is during this time that experience starts to shape the connections in the brain.

Neural Plasticity

  • The term plasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change structurally and functionally as a result of input from the environment.

  • Plasticity is greatest early in life, during the so-called critical period, when the brain is highly sensitive to new information and experiences.

  • However, plasticity continues throughout life, contributing to learning and memory. The brain can reorganise and adapt, even in the event of damage.

The Role of Experience

  • The brain develops in response to experience. This is known as experience-dependent brain growth.

  • Both positive and negative experiences can shape the architecture of the developing brain.

  • Early experiences have a major influence on the brain’s organisation and capacity for learning and memory later in life.

Brain Maturation and Behaviour

  • Brain maturation is reflected in changes in behaviour, from basic motor skills to complex cognitive abilities.

  • The prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making, self-control, and judgement, is one of the last areas to mature.

  • Cognitive development is interwoven with brain maturation, and progress in one area often corresponds with advances in the other.

Genes and Environment

  • The interplay between genes and environment shapes brain development. This is referred to as the gene-environment interaction.

  • Genes provide a blueprint for the brain, but the environment influences how those plans are carried out.

  • The interactionist perspective holds that brain development is a result of complex interplay between genetic and environmental influences.

Cognitive and Emotional Development

  • Cognitive development is characterised by the developing ability to think, learn, reason, and remember. It is deeply intertwined with the maturation of the brain’s cortical areas.

  • Emotional development is closely linked to connections between the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. These connections strengthen over time, leading to better emotional self-regulation.

The Significance of Early Years

  • There is growing evidence that the early years of life are critical for brain development. This period of rapid growth and development, known as the early critical period, has lifelong implications for cognitive and emotional functioning.

  • The quality of a child’s environment and experiences during this time can have significant impacts on their brain architecture and function.

Effects of Stress and Adversity

  • Chronic stress in early life, often caused by factors such as neglect or abuse, can have damaging effects on the developing brain. This is known as toxic stress.

  • Exposure to adversity can disrupt normal brain development and increase the risk of cognitive, emotional, and social problems later in life.

  • Early intervention and supportive, nurturing relationships can help mitigate the harmful effects of toxic stress.