Children’s early experiences physically shape their brain, but this goes both ways for positive and negative experiences. The negative effects of chronic stress have been well established, and it is important to remember that this does not only impact adults but children as well. However, there is no need to fear because of the plasticity of children’s brains; which refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt.

The brain’s response to chronic stress can “be buffered and even reversed” because of plasticity, and early intervention is a crucial aspect. Warm and nurturing relationships in particular have been found to help counteract the neurobiological response to stress, and warm and nurturing relationships do not only have to be between biological parents. Intervention programs have been designed to do exactly this, and so far the results have been promising.

 

If you want to read more click Here! 

Kaitlyn Vitucci

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

This week’s question is: _______ deals with how cognitive processes— such as reasoning, perception and memory— change over time.

A. Cognitive development

B. Perceptual development

C. Moral development

D. Attachment theory

 

Last week’s question was…”True or False: The brain starts to grow as a neural tube?” The answer is true!

Tune in next week to find out the answer to this weeks question!

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

True or False: The brain starts to grow as a neural tube?

Tune in next week to find out the answer to this weeks question!

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

This weeks question is…True or false: the three developmental domains are physical, cognitive, and social-emotional.
A. True
B. False

Last weeks question was… “True or false: You may inherit traits, such as height/weight, that may affect growth and development?” The answer was true!

It’s not a new phenomenon that kids like to play games and procrastinate, sometimes doing anything other than their school work. However, it is extremely important for children to learn and a great way to do this is through video games themselves!

This can be done through Game-Based Learning, which is defined as “use of games to support teaching and learning.” These games are suitable for children as young as 5 years old, and they are broken up into levels. 

Level 1 includes simple shapes and simple logic based concepts. Level 2 introduces addition and subtraction. Lastly, Level 3 introduces multiplication and division. Some studies have supported that these methods of learning can be more effective than usual methods!

If you want to know more about these games, click here!

Kaitlyn Vitucci

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

This weeks question is…True or false:You may inherit traits, such as height/weight, that may affect growth and development?
A. True
B. False

Last weeks question was…”True or false: An intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder, and Motor Disorders are all Neurodevelopmental disorders classified in the DSM-5.” The answer was true!

Tune in next week to find out the answer to this weeks question!

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

This weeks question is… True or false: An intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder, and Motor Disorders are all Neurodevelopmental disorders classified in the DSM-5.
A. True
B. False

Last weeks question was…”Which developmental disorder is characterized by these two features: persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across a variety of settings, and restrictive repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities.” The answer was Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)

Tune in next week to find out the answer to this weeks question!

The concept of parenting styles has been well researched and well established. However, the concern of parenting styles within context is a new development. This has led to “domain-specific” models of parenting styles that are flexible and allow for different situational contexts. 

The previous parenting styles established were authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive parenting styles. This new way of thinking about parenting styles has led to the development of a fourth style, rejecting-neglecting style. 

The new “domain-specific” models of parenting describe parenting as “multifaceted and situationally determined.” This means that parents use different parenting styles depending on the situation. On top of this, the child’s interpretation might have different meanings which can be dependent on the stage of development or the culture. 

If you want to read more, click here!

Kaitlyn Vitucci

UConn KIDS, Research Assistant 

Resilience generally refers to a positive adaptation or development when experiencing adverse events, and within the context of human development resilience would include overcoming traumatic events all the way to dealing with stress in everyday life. Research within the last few years has shown the importance of understanding and promoting resilience in early childhood. 

This revelation has allowed for potential to implement practices that are specifically designed to promote healthier development, especially when considering those who face adversity and/or are disadvantaged. 

Despite the few challenges faced, systematic research has started on resilience in childhood. This research is aimed at children who are at a higher risk of problems, due to mental illnesses, social disadvantages, and poverty. The ultimate goal of this research is to use the findings to inform policies that are aimed at better development within high risk children. 

The most effective interventions occur during infancy and pre-school years, which helps to support parenting and provide enriched learning environments. This may be due to the fact that early success in school seemed to be important in learning resilience. Another finding of success is systems that focus on building competence and strengths within the family and children, as well as addressing problems early on. 

If you want to hear more about this exciting research, read here! 

Kaitlyn Vitucci
UConn KIDS, Research Assistant

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday!

This week’s question is…Which developmental disorder is characterized by these two features: persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across a variety of settings, and restrictive repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities.

A. Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)
B. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)
C. Intellectual disability
D. Learning disability 

Last weeks question was…”True or false: A context is a unique combination of personal and environmental circumstances that can result in different paths of change. These can include: gender, race, personality variables, and biological factors.” The answer was true!

Tune in next week to find out the answer to this weeks question!