1. Neurological development
Early development of the brain and nervous system

2. Brain and neurological development (1)
Brain development begins with the formation and closure of the neural tube.
One of the most sensitive periods in brain development occurs when the neural tube is closing.
If the tube fails to close (about 4 weeks after conception) the result can be a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida.
Taking folic acid before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
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3. Brain and neurological development (2)
At birth: the human brain consists of around 100 billion neurons (the core cells of the nervous system).
Neurons connect to form neural pathways which process and transmit information.
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4. Brain and neurological development (3)
In the early years neural pathways develop because of the brain’s plasticity.
Stimulated through sensory stimulation (such as cuddling) and positive interactions (such as playing).
Lack of exposure to positive stimulation leads to the loss of neural pathways through neural pruning.
High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can also severely damage the developing brain.
(Ref. Perry, B.D., The Human Brain, ChildTrauma Academy, 2013)
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