Though happening all the time in the brain, neuroplastic changes are
most robust during the early years of life. It is then that the brain is
most susceptible to wiring changes. Certainly a lesson from neuro-
science is that experiences of infancy, childhood, adolescence, and
early adulthood are likely the most powerful experiences of one’s life
in terms of laying down pathways in the brain that will have lifelong
effects on behavior.
Neurogenesis, growth and branching of axons and dendrites,
sprouting of dendritic spines, synapse formation and strengthening,
synapse pruning and elimination, glial cell formation and differen-
tiation, and axonal myelination are all continuing at robust rates
during childhood. Myelination of axons interconnecting cells within
the cerebral cortex continues until past twenty years of age. Because
myelination is needed for cortical neurons to efficiently communicate
with one another, it is clear that establishing and fine-tuning cortical
circuits require many years of experience and the teen years continue
to be a particularly important phase of brain development.
The importance of good parenting and a loving atmosphere during
childhood are widely appreciated. A society that truly appreciates
the importance of brain plasticity during the early years of life would
place a very high priority on optimizing early learning. Elementary
school teachers would be among the most valued members of society,
and paid accordingly. And book learning is only a small part of the
story. Social connection and emotional learning are hugely important.
Great benefits to individuals and to society would surely come from
investment in optimizing early-lifetime experiences.
Growing and reaching,
then trimming the less used parts—