The absence of a loving caregiver in the earliest years of life could sway the normal activity of two hormones – vasopressin and oxytocin – that play an essential role in the ability to form healthy social bonds and emotional intimacy.
Infant and Childhood Development
Study: Abused children stay highly attuned to anger
Even the subtlest hints of anger or hostility in their environment sets physically abused children on prolonged “alert,” even if a conflict has nothing to do with them.
Key neural system at risk from fetal alcohol exposure
In a study of adult monkeys who were exposed to moderate amounts of alcohol in utero, scientists have found that prenatal exposure to alcohol has pronounced effects on the development and function later in life.
Study spells out new evidence for roots of dyslexia
Addressing a persistent debate in the field of dyslexia research, scientists have disproved the popular theory that deficits in certain visual processes cause the spelling and reading woes commonly suffered by people with dyslexia.
Study depicts peril, hope for children of jailed mothers
For a young child whose mother is imprisoned, life’s prospects are predictably grim.
Baby Picked Good Time, Birthplace
Wisconsin Is In The Forefront Of Genetic Screening, So Infant’s Disorder Was Spotted And Treated. Patricia Simms, Wisconsin State Journal Reprinted by Permission Myles Tesky is an unlikely traveler on the frontier of genetic screening. …
Saffran receives prestigious psychology award
How babies learn language is a question Jenny Saffran has spent the early part of her research career investigating.
Lewis Leavitt, M.D. Featured in Online USA Today “Talk Today”
Study shows preschool can prevent child abuse
In one of Chicago’s poorest neighborhoods, a little girl with pigtails and a denim jumper stands in front of a table and fingers the shape of wooden letters as she fits them into a puzzle.
Orphanage experience alters brain development
During the last decade, many American families have opened their hearts and homes to children adopted from Eastern European orphanages.