Center Focus

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.