Aarushi Bhadury

Different Ways Parental Alienation Can Affect Children

Parental Alienation (Credit-Canva)

<span>Parental alienation</span> is a situation where one parent systematically turns a child against the other parent. This can have devastating consequences for the child's emotional well-being, relationships, academic performance, and overall development. For example, an alienating parent might make false accusations about the other parent, manipulate the child's feelings, or isolate the child from the alienated parent. These behaviours can create a toxic environment that can have a lasting impact on a child's life. In this article, we will explore the various ways that parental alienation can affect children, including its impact on their emotional well-being, relationships, academic performance, and overall development. 

Parental alienation can have devastating consequences for the child's emotional well-being and development. 

Parental alienation can lead to a range of emotional problems in children, including anxiety, depression, guilt, and shame. Children may worry about their safety, their relationship with the alienated parent, and their future. They may also feel guilty or ashamed for loving both parents, or for not feeling the same way about the alienating parent. This emotional turmoil can have a significant impact on a child's mental health and well-being. 

Parental alienation can sever a child's connection to one parent, leading to feelings of identity confusion and loss. Children may struggle to understand who they are and where they belong. This can make it difficult for them to form healthy relationships with others, as they may have difficulty trusting or relying on people. 

Children who experience parental alienation may exhibit a variety of behavioural problems, including aggression, defiance, withdrawal, and academic difficulties. They may act out in anger or frustration, or they may withdraw from social activities and become isolated. These behavioural problems can have a negative impact on a child's relationships with peers and adults, as well as their academic performance. 

The stress of parental alienation can take a toll on a child's physical health. Children may experience headaches, stomach-aches, sleep disturbances, and weakened immune systems. Chronic stress can also lead to a variety of other health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. 

Parental alienation can interfere with a child's emotional and social development. Children who experience parental alienation may exhibit delayed emotional maturity, struggling to regulate their emotions or form healthy attachments. They may also have difficulty forming and maintaining friendships, as they may be wary of trusting others. 

<h3>Increased Risk of Substance Abuse</h3>

Children who experience parental alienation may be at a higher risk of substance abuse. They may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the emotional pain of being alienated from one parent. This can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including addiction, overdose, and injury. 

Parental alienation can create a cycle of abuse that may be passed down to future generations. Children who experience parental alienation may be more likely to engage in similar behaviours with their own children, perpetuating the cycle of abuse. The effects of parental alienation can last a lifetime, impacting a child's mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. 

Parental alienation can escalate into custody battles, which can be emotionally draining and harmful to children. Children may be forced to testify in court, which can be traumatic and confusing. The legal process can also be lengthy and stressful, further impacting a child's emotional well-being. 

Children who experience parental alienation may have difficulty trusting adults, including teachers, counselors, and other authority figures. They may fear being abandoned or rejected, leading to feelings of insecurity and anxiety. This can make it difficult for children to form healthy relationships and develop a sense of trust and belonging. 

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Parental alienation is a situation where one parent systematically turns a child against the other parent. This can have devastating consequences for the child's emotional well-being, relationships, academic performance, and overall development. For example, an alienating parent might make false accusations about the other parent, manipulate the child's feelings, or isolate the child from the alienated parent. These behaviours can create a toxic environment that can have a lasting impact on a child's life. In this article, we will explore the various ways that parental alienation can affect children, including its impact on their emotional well-being, relationships, academic performance, and overall development. Ways It Affects ChildrenParental alienation can have devastating consequences for the child's emotional well-being and development. Emotional DistressParental alienation can lead to a range of emotional problems in children, including anxiety, depression, guilt, and shame. Children may worry about their safety, their relationship with the alienated parent, and their future. They may also feel guilty or ashamed for loving both parents, or for not feeling the same way about the alienating parent. This emotional turmoil can have a significant impact on a child's mental health and well-being. Identity ConfusionParental alienation can sever a child's connection to one parent, leading to feelings of identity confusion and loss. Children may struggle to understand who they are and where they belong. This can make it difficult for them to form healthy relationships with others, as they may have difficulty trusting or relying on people. Behavioural ProblemsChildren who experience parental alienation may exhibit a variety of behavioural problems, including aggression, defiance, withdrawal, and academic difficulties. They may act out in anger or frustration, or they may withdraw from social activities and become isolated. These behavioural problems can have a negative impact on a child's relationships with peers and adults, as well as their academic performance. Physical Health IssuesThe stress of parental alienation can take a toll on a child's physical health. Children may experience headaches, stomach-aches, sleep disturbances, and weakened immune systems. Chronic stress can also lead to a variety of other health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity. Delayed DevelopmentParental alienation can interfere with a child's emotional and social development. Children who experience parental alienation may exhibit delayed emotional maturity, struggling to regulate their emotions or form healthy attachments. They may also have difficulty forming and maintaining friendships, as they may be wary of trusting others. Increased Risk of Substance AbuseChildren who experience parental alienation may be at a higher risk of substance abuse. They may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the emotional pain of being alienated from one parent. This can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including addiction, overdose, and injury. Intergenerational TraumaParental alienation can create a cycle of abuse that may be passed down to future generations. Children who experience parental alienation may be more likely to engage in similar behaviours with their own children, perpetuating the cycle of abuse. The effects of parental alienation can last a lifetime, impacting a child's mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Legal IssuesParental alienation can escalate into custody battles, which can be emotionally draining and harmful to children. Children may be forced to testify in court, which can be traumatic and confusing. The legal process can also be lengthy and stressful, further impacting a child's emotional well-being. Loss of TrustChildren who experience parental alienation may have difficulty trusting adults, including teachers, counselors, and other authority figures. They may fear being abandoned or rejected, leading to feelings of insecurity and anxiety. This can make it difficult for children to form healthy relationships and develop a sense of trust and belonging. 

different ways parental alienation can affect children

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With Less than 1% Survival Chance, The Baby Born At 21 Weeks Survives, Breaks World Record

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A baby is considered fully developed and full-term at 39 weeks of gestation. A baby can be born anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks and can still be considered full-term. This period helps in baby's organ development like brain, lungs, and liver. It also reduces baby's health risks, promotes a better brain development and helps with other cognitive activities. 

However, under certain circumstances, premature babies are also born. However, when a baby is born at 24 weeks or later, the baby has chance to survival and this chance increases with each additional week of gestation. However, babies who are born before 24 weeks face a high risk of mortality and potential long-term health issues. 

A baby born before 22 weeks has a survival rate of 6%. So if a baby born in 21 weeks survives, it is no less than a miracle. 

This is the story of one such miracle that happened where a baby, who had less than 1% chance of survival is now thriving and has broken the world record. 

This is from the year 2020 when at 21 weeks, in Alabama, the most <span>premature baby</span> in the world, as per the Guinness World Records, was born.

Curtis Means and his twin sister, C'Asya Means, were born on July 5, 2020, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Delivered at just 21 weeks and 1 day of gestation—132 days premature—the twins faced overwhelming odds, with UAB estimating their chance of survival at less than 1%. According to Guinness World Records, they were born nearly 19 weeks early.

"Numbers show that babies born so young have little to no chances of survival," said Dr. Brian Sims, a professor of pediatrics at the UAB who was the on-call physician when the twins' mother, Michelle Butler. The doctor's statement is part of UAB's official statement. 

However, C'Asya did not respond to treatment and died the day after birth, but Curtis' heart rate and oxygen levels started to improve.

"We have never been able to bring a baby that young to the <span>neonatal intensive care unit</span>, so [Curtis] was literally the first of his kind," Sims told Guinness World Records. We were in uncharted territory." 

Curtis received constant medical care that helped him breathe. His body temperature was also regulated and other care, including enough nutrition intakes were maintained. It was in about three months, when the doctors were finally able to take him off a ventilator. 

Dr Colm Travers, an assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology said in a statement, "Curtis defied all scientific odds." Indeed he did. Age and birth weight are two of the most important factors in determining a newborn’s chances of survival, he explained. The odds are also higher if the baby is female, not part of a multiple birth, and if the mother received steroids before delivery to aid lung development—none of which applied in Curtis’s case. Yet, Curtis survived. 

At birth, Curtis weighed just 14.8 ounces (420 grams)—roughly one-seventh the weight of an average full-term newborn, according to Guinness World Records. Despite the odds, he grew stronger each day and was discharged from the hospital around nine months later, supported by medication, a feeding tube, and bottled oxygen.

After celebrating his first birthday, Curtis—affectionately nicknamed "Poodie" by his family—was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the most premature surviving baby.

Six months after his discharge, Curtis’ medical team gathered outside the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital to surprise his mother with the Guinness World Record certificate. The previous record holder, Richard Hutchinson, had been born just a month earlier, on June 5, 2020, at 21 weeks and 2 days. 

premature baby survives breaks world record

parenting

premature baby

neonatal intensive care unit

tiniest baby

A baby is considered fully developed and full-term at 39 weeks of gestation. A baby can be born anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks and can still be considered full-term. This period helps in baby's organ development like brain, lungs, and liver. It also reduces baby's health risks, promotes a better brain development and helps with other cognitive activities. However, under certain circumstances, premature babies are also born. However, when a baby is born at 24 weeks or later, the baby has chance to survival and this chance increases with each additional week of gestation. However, babies who are born before 24 weeks face a high risk of mortality and potential long-term health issues. A baby born before 22 weeks has a survival rate of 6%. So if a baby born in 21 weeks survives, it is no less than a miracle. This is the story of one such miracle that happened where a baby, who had less than 1% chance of survival is now thriving and has broken the world record. "Defied All Scientific Odds"This is from the year 2020 when at 21 weeks, in Alabama, the most premature baby in the world, as per the Guinness World Records, was born.Curtis Means and his twin sister, C'Asya Means, were born on July 5, 2020, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Delivered at just 21 weeks and 1 day of gestation—132 days premature—the twins faced overwhelming odds, with UAB estimating their chance of survival at less than 1%. According to Guinness World Records, they were born nearly 19 weeks early."Numbers show that babies born so young have little to no chances of survival," said Dr. Brian Sims, a professor of pediatrics at the UAB who was the on-call physician when the twins' mother, Michelle Butler. The doctor's statement is part of UAB's official statement. However, C'Asya did not respond to treatment and died the day after birth, but Curtis' heart rate and oxygen levels started to improve."We have never been able to bring a baby that young to the neonatal intensive care unit, so [Curtis] was literally the first of his kind," Sims told Guinness World Records. We were in uncharted territory." Curtis received constant medical care that helped him breathe. His body temperature was also regulated and other care, including enough nutrition intakes were maintained. It was in about three months, when the doctors were finally able to take him off a ventilator. Dr Colm Travers, an assistant professor in the Division of Neonatology said in a statement, "Curtis defied all scientific odds." Indeed he did. Age and birth weight are two of the most important factors in determining a newborn’s chances of survival, he explained. The odds are also higher if the baby is female, not part of a multiple birth, and if the mother received steroids before delivery to aid lung development—none of which applied in Curtis’s case. Yet, Curtis survived. How The Baby SurvivedAt birth, Curtis weighed just 14.8 ounces (420 grams)—roughly one-seventh the weight of an average full-term newborn, according to Guinness World Records. Despite the odds, he grew stronger each day and was discharged from the hospital around nine months later, supported by medication, a feeding tube, and bottled oxygen.After celebrating his first birthday, Curtis—affectionately nicknamed "Poodie" by his family—was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the most premature surviving baby.Six months after his discharge, Curtis’ medical team gathered outside the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital to surprise his mother with the Guinness World Record certificate. The previous record holder, Richard Hutchinson, had been born just a month earlier, on June 5, 2020, at 21 weeks and 2 days. 

with less than 1% survival chance, the baby born at 21 weeks survives, breaks world record

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In a significant update to <span>maternal health</span> care, Australia is introducing new national guidelines on how pregnant women are tested for <span>gestational diabetes</span>. 

The changes, released by the <em>Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society</em> and published in the M<em>edical Journal of Australia</em>, mark the first major update to gestational diabetes screening in over a decade. These revised guidelines are expected to impact more than 280,000 pregnant women annually, streamlining care, reducing overdiagnosis, and focusing medical resources where they are most needed.

<h4>What Is Gestational Diabetes and Why Is Testing Important?</h4>

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It’s defined by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that are first detected while a woman is pregnant. In Australia, GDM affects nearly one in five pregnancies and has short- and long-term health implications for both mother and baby.

Though GDM usually resolves after delivery, women who develop it are seven times more likely to later develop type 2 diabetes. Identifying and managing GDM is essential because untreated cases increase the risk of:

Macrosomia (a baby born significantly larger than average), which can lead to birth complications and higher rates of caesarean sections

Pre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition involving high blood pressure and potential organ damage

Premature birth and other serious outcomes

Moreover, the screening process offers a gateway for introducing long-term health interventions like dietary advice, physical activity plans, and future diabetes prevention programs.

<h4>Why Are the Guidelines Changing?</h4>

While GDM screening and treatment are beneficial for many women, a one-size-fits-all approach has downsides. The new guidelines aim to balance the benefits of early detection with the potential harms of overdiagnosis. Studies and patient feedback have highlighted several concerns with the current system:

Women report stress, shame, and stigma after diagnosis

Limited access to specialist care and nutrition support

Some women adopt overly restrictive diets without professional guidance

Others are forced to change their maternity care provider or place of delivery due to a high-risk classification

The aim is to reduce unnecessary interventions for women at low risk, while enhancing care for those who truly need it.

The revised recommendations result from a broad review of current research and expert input from medical professionals and consumers. Here are the key updates:

<h5>Universal Screening Remains – But With Adjustments</h5>

All pregnant women without a prior diabetes diagnosis will still undergo routine screening between 24 and 28 weeks using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). This test involves:

<ul><li>Fasting overnight</li><li>A baseline blood test</li><li>Drinking a sugary solution</li><li>Two follow-up blood tests over two hours</li></ul>

However, fewer women will undergo multiple OGTTs during pregnancy. Early testing will be more targeted based on risk.

<h5>Early Testing for High-Risk Women</h5>

Women with risk factors will be screened earlier in pregnancy, ideally between 10 and 14 weeks. The approach includes:

An HbA1c test (a non-fasting blood test that gives an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months) in the first trimester for women with risk factors such as:

<ul><li>High body mass index (BMI)</li><li>Previous large baby</li><li>History of gestational diabetes</li></ul>

If results show high HbA1c or there’s a history of GDM, women may undergo an OGTT early in pregnancy.

The cut-off values for diagnosing GDM using the OGTT have been adjusted upward. This means only women with more clearly elevated glucose levels will be diagnosed. The goal is to avoid labeling borderline cases as diabetic when the risks and outcomes are minimal.

<h4>What Do These Changes Mean for Women?</h4>

The updated guidelines aim to make gestational diabetes care more precise and patient-centered:

<ul><li>Fewer unnecessary diagnoses for women with mild or borderline glucose levels</li><li>Improved access to services for those at higher risk</li><li>Reduced stress and confusion from unclear diagnosis or overtreatment</li><li>Stronger support systems for managing diet and physical activity safely</li></ul>

Importantly, women are encouraged to maintain open communication with their health care providers, especially if they have risk factors or symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, or frequent urination during pregnancy.

gestational diabetes australia

australia health news

australia news

maternal health

australia maternal health guidelines

gestational diabetes

diabetic mothers

In a significant update to maternal health care, Australia is introducing new national guidelines on how pregnant women are tested for gestational diabetes. The changes, released by the Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society and published in the Medical Journal of Australia, mark the first major update to gestational diabetes screening in over a decade. These revised guidelines are expected to impact more than 280,000 pregnant women annually, streamlining care, reducing overdiagnosis, and focusing medical resources where they are most needed.What Is Gestational Diabetes and Why Is Testing Important?Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It’s defined by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that are first detected while a woman is pregnant. In Australia, GDM affects nearly one in five pregnancies and has short- and long-term health implications for both mother and baby.Though GDM usually resolves after delivery, women who develop it are seven times more likely to later develop type 2 diabetes. Identifying and managing GDM is essential because untreated cases increase the risk of:Macrosomia (a baby born significantly larger than average), which can lead to birth complications and higher rates of caesarean sectionsPre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition involving high blood pressure and potential organ damagePremature birth and other serious outcomesMoreover, the screening process offers a gateway for introducing long-term health interventions like dietary advice, physical activity plans, and future diabetes prevention programs.Why Are the Guidelines Changing?While GDM screening and treatment are beneficial for many women, a one-size-fits-all approach has downsides. The new guidelines aim to balance the benefits of early detection with the potential harms of overdiagnosis. Studies and patient feedback have highlighted several concerns with the current system:Women report stress, shame, and stigma after diagnosisLimited access to specialist care and nutrition supportSome women adopt overly restrictive diets without professional guidanceOthers are forced to change their maternity care provider or place of delivery due to a high-risk classificationThe aim is to reduce unnecessary interventions for women at low risk, while enhancing care for those who truly need it.What Exactly Is Changing?The revised recommendations result from a broad review of current research and expert input from medical professionals and consumers. Here are the key updates:Universal Screening Remains – But With AdjustmentsAll pregnant women without a prior diabetes diagnosis will still undergo routine screening between 24 and 28 weeks using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). This test involves:Fasting overnightA baseline blood testDrinking a sugary solutionTwo follow-up blood tests over two hoursHowever, fewer women will undergo multiple OGTTs during pregnancy. Early testing will be more targeted based on risk.Early Testing for High-Risk WomenWomen with risk factors will be screened earlier in pregnancy, ideally between 10 and 14 weeks. The approach includes:An HbA1c test (a non-fasting blood test that gives an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months) in the first trimester for women with risk factors such as:High body mass index (BMI)Previous large babyHistory of gestational diabetesIf results show high HbA1c or there’s a history of GDM, women may undergo an OGTT early in pregnancy.Stricter Diagnostic ThresholdsThe cut-off values for diagnosing GDM using the OGTT have been adjusted upward. This means only women with more clearly elevated glucose levels will be diagnosed. The goal is to avoid labeling borderline cases as diabetic when the risks and outcomes are minimal.What Do These Changes Mean for Women?The updated guidelines aim to make gestational diabetes care more precise and patient-centered:Fewer unnecessary diagnoses for women with mild or borderline glucose levelsImproved access to services for those at higher riskReduced stress and confusion from unclear diagnosis or overtreatmentStronger support systems for managing diet and physical activity safelyImportantly, women are encouraged to maintain open communication with their health care providers, especially if they have risk factors or symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst, or frequent urination during pregnancy.

Screens, Genes, and First Steps: What Shapes Your Baby’s Mind

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<strong>"What's Going On Inside The <span rel="noindex">Baby's Brain</span>?" </strong>

If you area a regular social media user, you have definitely come across a meme that reads the exact line and then is followed by clips of babies making a fuss. But, what if we tell you that you could actually know what is going on. Not just that, but these developmental milestone is what shapes their future. 

The first two years of a baby’s life are nothing short of magical — and not just because of the first smiles or tiny giggles. It’s also the time when the brain is growing at lightning speed, forming the building blocks for everything from movement to memory, emotions to education. According to researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, this early brain development doesn’t just shape how a baby acts now, but how they’ll learn, behave, and stay healthy for the rest of their lives.

Let’s unpack what’s happening inside those rapidly growing baby brains — and why every cuddle, word, and interaction matters.

<h4>Brain Growth: Fast, Focused, and Full of Potential</h4>

In those first two years, a baby’s brain doesn’t just grow — it wires itself. Dr. Wei Gao, a neuroscientist leading brain imaging research at Cedars-Sinai, explains that the brain first develops the areas responsible for movement and senses (like seeing and touching). But very soon after, it’s the emotional and social areas that take center stage.

This is why the first year is so important for bonding. “You want to provide sensitive support to the baby so the baby can develop a secure attachment,” Gao explains. That attachment — those quiet moments of eye contact, soothing, and play — builds the emotional foundation for confidence, learning, and even future relationships.

Gao’s team has even mapped how parts of a child’s brain connect during early childhood. In a massive ongoing study, they’re tracking over 7,000 children from birth through age 10 to understand how environment and genetics shape brain wiring.

<h4>Too Much Screen, Too Little Growth?</h4>

Dr. Jane Tavyev Asher, director of Pediatric Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, warns about one major disruptor in the early years: screens. While the glow of a phone or tablet may keep a baby distracted, it can actually confuse the brain.

“When you expose that developing brain to rapidly changing images, it learns to focus on that — not on the real world,” Asher explains. That means less attention to slower, natural patterns like human speech, eye contact, and physical play — all key to learning to read, write, and think clearly later in life.

It’s not just nurture — nature plays a big role too. Dr. David Rowitch, deputy director of research at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, points out that nearly 80% of babies with a genetic condition show some neurological signs early on — whether it’s seizures, muscle weakness, or a brain structure difference visible on scans.

Modern genetic testing can now read a baby’s entire DNA — all 3 billion base pairs — offering clues not only about physical health, but also mental development. Combining this information with brain scans could help doctors catch problems early, intervene sooner, and even improve a child’s future school readiness.

The ultimate goal? To make sure no child falls behind. As Rowitch says, understanding how brain connections, genes, and environment come together helps us support each child — especially those at higher risk — to reach their full potential.

child psychology

baby's brain

brain health

what does baby brain tell you

baby's development

toddlers

"What's Going On Inside The Baby's Brain?" If you area a regular social media user, you have definitely come across a meme that reads the exact line and then is followed by clips of babies making a fuss. But, what if we tell you that you could actually know what is going on. Not just that, but these developmental milestone is what shapes their future. The first two years of a baby’s life are nothing short of magical — and not just because of the first smiles or tiny giggles. It’s also the time when the brain is growing at lightning speed, forming the building blocks for everything from movement to memory, emotions to education. According to researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, this early brain development doesn’t just shape how a baby acts now, but how they’ll learn, behave, and stay healthy for the rest of their lives.Let’s unpack what’s happening inside those rapidly growing baby brains — and why every cuddle, word, and interaction matters.Brain Growth: Fast, Focused, and Full of PotentialIn those first two years, a baby’s brain doesn’t just grow — it wires itself. Dr. Wei Gao, a neuroscientist leading brain imaging research at Cedars-Sinai, explains that the brain first develops the areas responsible for movement and senses (like seeing and touching). But very soon after, it’s the emotional and social areas that take center stage.This is why the first year is so important for bonding. “You want to provide sensitive support to the baby so the baby can develop a secure attachment,” Gao explains. That attachment — those quiet moments of eye contact, soothing, and play — builds the emotional foundation for confidence, learning, and even future relationships.Gao’s team has even mapped how parts of a child’s brain connect during early childhood. In a massive ongoing study, they’re tracking over 7,000 children from birth through age 10 to understand how environment and genetics shape brain wiring.Too Much Screen, Too Little Growth?Dr. Jane Tavyev Asher, director of Pediatric Neurology at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, warns about one major disruptor in the early years: screens. While the glow of a phone or tablet may keep a baby distracted, it can actually confuse the brain.“When you expose that developing brain to rapidly changing images, it learns to focus on that — not on the real world,” Asher explains. That means less attention to slower, natural patterns like human speech, eye contact, and physical play — all key to learning to read, write, and think clearly later in life.Genes and BrainsIt’s not just nurture — nature plays a big role too. Dr. David Rowitch, deputy director of research at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, points out that nearly 80% of babies with a genetic condition show some neurological signs early on — whether it’s seizures, muscle weakness, or a brain structure difference visible on scans.Modern genetic testing can now read a baby’s entire DNA — all 3 billion base pairs — offering clues not only about physical health, but also mental development. Combining this information with brain scans could help doctors catch problems early, intervene sooner, and even improve a child’s future school readiness.Why Early Intervention MattersThe ultimate goal? To make sure no child falls behind. As Rowitch says, understanding how brain connections, genes, and environment come together helps us support each child — especially those at higher risk — to reach their full potential.

screens, genes, and first steps: what shapes your baby’s mind

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