Brain Development Period

ANTE NATAL:

• All five senses begin to function before birth
• Prenatal sensory experiences actually help shape the brain and nervous system
• Prenatal experiences prime the attachment behaviours of the infant

0-3 YEARS:

• A rapid periode of brain development which can be fostered by relationships with caregivers and supported by optimal community environtments for families and children
• Brain development is vulnerable to toxic stress (depending on length and number of stressors for the child)

BY SCHOOL AGE:

• Children build on the solid foundation of the first five years
• It is more difficult for children to take advantage of the learning environtment of schools if they have not had an optimal home environtment, there is restricted access to quality early childhood sevices and they have experienced a poor quality community environtment

ADOLESCENCE

• Brain development prioritises the connections used most often, Resulting in"pruning" of brain networks or circuits
• As children entered this period, more intensive rsources are required if children have missed the opportunities for optimal caregiving and environtments in the preceeding years