Socioeconomic disparities in childhood are associated with differences in cognitive and socio-emotional development during a time when dramatic changes are occurring in the brain. Recent work has focused on understanding the neurobiological pathways through which socioeconomic factors shape development. A theoretical model will be presented whereby differences in experience likely impact particular brain systems, which in turn support distinct neurocognitive skills. Evidence for the model, as well as ongoing and future work testing aspects of the model, will be discussed. Finally, early findings from Baby’s First Years, the first clinical trial of poverty reduction in early childhood, will be presented.

This talk was presented by Dr. Kim Noble, Columbia University