Ask Me Anything w/ Dr. Carol Wilkinson on Brain Development and Poverty

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.

Dr. Carol Wilkinson, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Director of Research, Down’s Syndrome Program, shared her research linking financial hardship and brain development. 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. 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).

This 30 minute session will be a fast-paced exploration of research and its implications for funders interested in health, children, and families.