The Impact of Early Experiences on Neurobiological Development

The Impact of Early Experiences on Neurobiological Development
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The Impact of Early Experiences on Neurobiological Development
The early stages of life play an important role in a child’s development. The main reason is that the brain grows extremely fast before birth and in the early years of childhood (CDC, 2021). Although the brain changes as one becomes an adult, the first eight years build the foundation for a child’s future health, learning, and success. The development of the brain is subject to a number of factors, including proper nutrition, social experiences, and exposure to infections or toxins. A child nurtured well and cared for responsively is more likely to have healthy brain development (Zeanah, 2018). In this paper, the author explains why early experiences shape neurobiological development both prenatally and during the first years of life.
Promoting the healthy development of the brain starts before pregnancy. Mothers should stick to a healthy diet with the right nutrients (CDC, 2021). For instance, mothers should ensure they consume foods with sufficient folic acid to build a strong nervous system in the baby. Children who were malnourished at infancy often suffer from cognitive and behavioral deficits such as low IQ and fine motor development (CDC, 2021). Similarly, mothers should ensure they are vaccinated to protect the brain of the growing baby.
During pregnancy, a baby’s brain is also prone to several risks, such as toxins and mental health conditions experienced by the mother (CDC, 2021). Hence, regular healthcare during pregnancy is essential as it can help in preventing any complications. Avoiding demanding work also helps in protecting an infant’s brain. During pregnancy, mothers are only allowed to work in the early stages. Even then, the workload should be kept at a minimum to avoid any accidents. Exposure to toxins can be detrimental to infant brain development as well (CDC, 2021). Studies have shown that exposure to toxins leads to neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy, dyslexia, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (CDC, 2021).
After birth, children have many skills to learn. Parents, caregivers, and other family members act as the first teachers in children’s lives (CDC, 2021). Hence, the brain’s growth at this stage is highly influenced by the experiences a child has with those around. Children learn best in an environment with no neglect or chronic stress. Children who have many opportun...