Did you know that early financial strain can impact how an infant’s brain develops? This can affect a child’s executive function, language, and attention in the long term. Meanwhile, other forms of adversity can accelerate brain development. Join us as we talk with Dr. Carol Wilkinson about her research linking financial hardship and brain development. She takes a fascinating approach that understands the way stress affects income, relationships, health, and more to narrow down the variables that directly impact brain development (spoiler alert: there is one particular measure that seems to be at the core). It will be a fast-paced exploration of research and its implications for funders interested in health, children, and families. Join us!
Dr. Carol Wilkinson is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and also the Director of Research, Down’s Syndrome Program and an Attending Physician at the Boston Children’s Hospital. Her research focuses on identifying biological and environmental factors that impact early brain development and long-term functioning. Her ultimate goal is to develop effective therapies to improve outcomes and independence for all children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.