1. Brain Development and Experience (Wrap-up) Current State of Knowledge:
There are a number of variables/factors that can harm brain development (e.g., teratogens, malnutrition, stress due to neglectful care)
Experimental data from non-human species and/or correlational data in humans

2. It is much less clear what variables/factors may enhance or accelerate brain development
In non-human species, data indicate that “enriched” environments are related to increased synaptogenesis and better performance on learning and problem-solving tasks
Data also indicate that “enriched” environments may aid in recovery of deficits caused by brain insults (e.g., alcohol exposure)

3. Implications of these findings for children’s brain development are unclear
Meaning of “enrichment” ?

4. Brain appears to be open to environmental experiences across the lifespan
Data from non-human species and from humans suggest that there may be “sensitive” periods for some areas of brain development
e.g., strabismus and binocular depth perception
However, does not appear to be the case for most areas of brain development
Ex: In non-human species, effects of “enriched” environments are similar in adults and juveniles