🧠 Key Periods of Neuroplasticity

Infancy & Early Childhood (0–5 years)

• The brain is highly malleable, with rapid synaptogenesis (formation of new connections) and pruning (elimination of unused connections).

• Critical periods exist for language, sensory processing, and motor development, meaning experiences have a powerful impact.

• For example, children deprived of visual input during early years may have permanent impairments in vision despite later treatment.

Reference:

• Knudsen, E. I. (2004). Sensitive periods in the development of the brain and behavior. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 16(8), 1412–1425.

• Huttenlocher, P. R., & Dabholkar, A. S. (1997). Regional differences in synaptogenesis in human cerebral cortex. Journal of Comparative Neurology, 387(2), 167–178.

Childhood & Adolescence (6–25 years)

• Though early childhood is the peak, plasticity continues as the brain develops executive functioning, self-regulation, and social cognition.

• During puberty and adolescence, the prefrontal cortex undergoes major remodeling, supporting higher-order thinking and emotional regulation.

Reference:

• Casey, B. J., Tottenham, N., Liston, C., & Durston, S. (2005). Imaging the developing brain: what have we learned about cognitive development? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 9(3), 104–110.

• Johnson, M. H. (2001). Functional brain development in humans. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2(7), 475–483.