Jonathan Pensotes

ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON

THEDEVELOPMENT OF

THE BRAIN

What Do We Know AboutBrain Development?

FACTS

MYTHS

Most of the brain's cells are formed before birth, but

most of the connections among

cells are made during infancy and early

childhood.

FACT

At birth the brain is fully

developed, just like one's heart

or stomach.

MYTH

 Talking to a baby is not important because he or

she can't understand what you are saying.

MYTH

The brain's development

depends entirely on the genes with

which you are born.

MYTH

Early experience and interaction

with the environment are most critical in a

child's brain development.

FACT

Talking to young children establishes

foundations for learning language

during early critical periods when

learning is easiest for a child.

FACT

What children need most is loving care and new experiences, not special attention or costly toys. Talking, singing, playing and

reading are some of the key activities that build

a child's brain.

FACT

Children need special help and

specific educational toys to develop

their brainpower.

FACTA toddler's brain

is less active than the brain of a

college student.

MYTHA 3-year-old

toddler's brain is twice as active as an adult's brain

FACT

AT BIRTH AT 7 YEARS

AT 15 YEARS

FORMATION OF NEURAL CONNECTIONS

LOBES

OFTHE

BRAIN

CRITICAL PERIODS IN BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Visual and Auditory development

Language development

Physical and Motor development Emotional and Social development

ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Life experiences

Increased stimulation

FACTORS AFFECTINGDEVELOPMENT

Maternal Nutrition

Child Nutrition

Early Sensory Stimulation

NUTRITION

DIET

FIVEFOOD

GROUPS

The mother supplies all the nutrients to inborn fetus through the food intake so that she should take care of her diet for her sake and that of the fetus.

Maternal Nutrition

Child NutritionAdequate nutrition contributes to a continuous brain growth, rapid skeletal, and muscular development. It is not the amount of food that children eat but what they eat that contributes to healthy living.

Early Sensory StimulationChildren under 6 years of age tend to be farsighted, because there eyes have not matured and are shaped differently from those adults

FACTORSAFFECTING GROWTH

Genetic History

NutritionMedical

Conditions Exercise

Sleep Emotional Well-Being

GEN

ETIC

HIS

TO

RY “The child’s genetic history

influences to a large extent of his growth. As a matter of fact, it is number one in the list. By just looking at the parent’s height, the rate of growth of the child can more or less be predicted”LYNNE LEVITSKY, M.D.

CHIEF (Pediatric Endocrine Unit)

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston

NU

TR

ITIO

N

JO ANNE HATTNER, R.D.Pediatric Specialist

American Dietetic Association

“Without a good diet, kids won’t grow normally”

MED

ICA

L

CO

ND

ITIO

NS

Children born with or develop serious medical conditions can have stunted growth if not treated. Some of these are gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac disease; food allergies; thyroid problems; hormone deficiency; heart, kidney, or liver ailments, and certain chromosomal abnormalities

EX

ER

CIS

E

Regular physical activity promotes growth by

strengthening bones and muscles.

SLEEP

About 70-80% of growth hormone is secreted during sleep. – Paul Saenger

EM

OTIO

NA

L W

ELL-

BEIN

G

Children must be nurtured with love, patience, & understanding. They need

a supportive family environment.

Jonathan Pensotes

ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON

THEDEVELOPMENT OF

THE BRAIN