Neurodevelopment Essentials
How brains develop from birth to adulthood, why environment matters, and what this means for understanding and supporting neurodivergent children.
Neurodevelopment is the process by which the nervous system develops and changes over time. It begins before birth and continues into the mid-20s.
This process is shaped by both genes (the blueprint) and environment (experiences, nutrition, relationships, stress). Neither alone determines outcomes.
Brain development timeline
Basic brain structure forms. Neurons multiply rapidly. Foundations laid.
Relevance: Genetic factors and prenatal environment set the stage for neurodevelopment.
Explosive synapse formation. Sensory systems develop. Attachment forms.
Relevance: Early experiences shape brain architecture. Co-regulation crucial.
Language explosion. Self-regulation emerging. Theory of mind develops.
Relevance: Autism and ADHD signs often visible. Early support most effective.
Reading and academic skills. Executive functions developing. Social complexity.
Relevance: School demands reveal attention and learning differences.
Prefrontal cortex matures. Synaptic pruning. Identity formation.
Relevance: Executive functions improve but not fully mature. Risk-taking peaks.
Prefrontal cortex completes development around 25.
Relevance: Full executive function capacity finally available.
Key principles of brain development
The brain continues to change throughout life. While early years are important, the window for growth never fully closes.
For parents: Support at any age can make a difference. It's never "too late".
Genes provide a blueprint, but environment determines how genes are expressed. Same genes can lead to different outcomes.
For parents: You can't change your child's neurology, but environment profoundly affects how it manifests.
Different brain regions mature at different rates. Emotional brain develops before logical brain.
For parents: Expecting adult-like self-control from children ignores brain development.
Chronic stress can impair brain development, particularly executive functions and regulation.
For parents: Reducing stress and providing safety supports healthy development.
Secure attachment and co-regulation literally shape brain architecture.
For parents: Relationship is the most powerful intervention you have.
What this means for neurodivergence
ADHD and autism are neurodevelopmental conditions - the brain develops differently from the start. They're not acquired later or caused by experiences.
Neurodivergent brains aren't broken neurotypical brains. They're different brain types with their own patterns of strengths and challenges.
While the underlying neurology is present from birth, how significantly it affects daily life depends heavily on environment and support.
Early intervention can't "cure" autism or ADHD, but it can help build skills, prevent secondary problems, and improve quality of life.
What you can and can't control
- ✓The environment your child grows up in
- ✓How you respond to their struggles
- ✓The support systems you put in place
- ✓Your understanding of their neurology
- ✓Advocating for their needs
- ✓The emotional climate of your home
- –Whether your child is neurodivergent
- –The fundamental way their brain works
- –The pace of their development
- –How they compare to others
- –Whether they "grow out of it"
- –Other people's reactions or understanding
Your child's brain developed differently from the start - not because of anything you did or didn't do. But you have enormous power to shape their experienceof having that brain.
The right environment, understanding, and support can make the difference between a neurodivergent child who struggles and suffers, and one who thrives while being authentically themselves.