Most folks intuitively understand that childhood experiences shape adult lives. But in recent years, we’ve learned much more about the underlying social and physical processes that drive that dynamic — and how nurturing, stable environments help children develop the cognitive and emotional skills they need to thrive as adults.
This area of research, often short-handed as "brain science," shows how childhood adversity can derail those processes, leading to a host of health problems and risky behaviors in adulthood.
The Center has a new explainer on brain science and how federal programs play a key role in helping families prevent, manage and overcome adversity.