Child Development News
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Friendship at the museum: How science helps kids make friends through play
Shutts uses what she learns in her research as a social scientist to influence how kids in the community learn through play at the museum. Her area of expertise is how children…
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Parents as partners: How a community advisory council highlights the importance of learning from lived experience in research
Researchers are increasingly recognizing what families have long known: lived experience is its own form of expertise.
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The Baby Badger Network seeks to make genetic testing more accessible to critically-ill newborns throughout Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, a new initiative is transforming the landscape of neonatal care by making genetic testing more accessible for critically-ill newborns.
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Integrating trauma awareness into early language support
Learning language in early childhood occurs through interaction between children and their caregivers. It is a foundational process that allows children to participate in social interactions, learn from the world, and develop…
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Atypical infant movements tied to cerebral palsy may signal differences in brain connectivity
Brain connectivity differences linked to atypical infant movements may aid the early prediction of cerebral palsy development after a perinatal brain injury, a new Waisman Center study shows.
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Rethinking fraction instruction: New study shows young children’s brains are wired to understand ratios – and it could change the way fractions are taught.
Even before formal schooling, children’s brains can grasp ratios as holistic magnitudes—suggesting they’re naturally wired to understand foundational fraction concepts like comparing amounts.
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Newly funded research to study astrocyte dysfunction in Rett syndrome
The lab of Waisman Center director, Qiang Chang, PhD, professor of medical genetics and neurology, has received $1 million in funding from the Department of Defense to study the dysfunction of astrocytes,…
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Decisiones de crianza que valen la pena considerar según la ciencia del desarrollo
Este artículo es un resumen de un ensayo escrito por Seth Pollak, PhD, y Megan Gunnar, PhD, para la revista Daedelus. Puede ser difícil – y abrumador – tomar ciertas decisiones en…
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Caregiving decisions worth dwelling on according to developmental science
A common – and actually important – question caregivers ask is when is the right time to introduce children to a specific experience – foods, activities, languages, motor skills, germs, and more.
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Memory impairment after severe traumatic brain injury in adolescents related to size and connectivity changes in the hippocampus and beyond.
Memory impairment as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has long been associated solely with the hippocampus, the brain’s learning and memory center. However, new research published in the journal…
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Behind the scenes of research participation at the Waisman Center: Infant Learning Lab
The lab focuses on studying how infants and young children learn language, learn the meaning of words, find patterns in language and track the properties of speech.
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Childhood maltreatment leads to flattened cortisol rhythms in adolescence, a costly adaptation to an adverse environment
Adolescents who experience sustained childhood maltreatment show high, inflexible cortisol levels that persist throughout the day in different social contexts, a new study shows. This flattened cortisol rhythm may be a pathway…
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Estrogen receptor alpha mediates protection against hypoxic ischemic brain injury in newborn female mice, study shows
In her practice as a pediatric intensivist, Cengiz noticed that even with similar brain injuries, functional outcomes varied from child to child. “So, I began wondering what could be the potential mechanisms…
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How physical environment shapes language learning in toddlers
The environment in which toddlers learn language may have a greater impact on word learning than previously understood.
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Researcher clinicians help bridge the gap between scientific discovery and medical care – Part 2
There is no one “typical” type of researcher clinician. There are differences in training, percentage of focus on research vs clinic, and type of research done. Many also carry teaching and administrative…
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Rebecca Alper on long-term impacts of early language skills
Early language skills are one of the best predictors of academic, social, vocational outcomes.
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Branching out beyond where it’s planted: The story of the Waisman Center’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Part 2
Former UCEDD director Bill MacLean with current director Leann DaWalt.
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Branching out beyond where it’s planted: The story of the Waisman Center’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Part 1
The University of Wisconsin-Madison was one of the first sites to be selected to have an IDDRC and UCEDD because of the urging of Harry Waisman, MD, PhD, a prominent researcher physician,…
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Wisconsin educators take on the surge in early speech delays
“Early language skills are one of the best predictors of academic, social, vocational outcomes,” said Rebecca Alper
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New study shows non-invasive brain stimulation can be safely administered at home
A non-invasive brain stimulation technique that may improve neuroplasticity has recently been shown to be possible and safe for children with cerebral palsy when remotely instructed and conducted in a person’s home.
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Artificial intelligence: A real tool for advancing research on intellectual and developmental disabilities and beyond
AI collects big data and uses computer algorithms to search patterns that are present in your daily life.
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Seth Pollak: A career dedicated to understanding child emotion
The fun decals on the colorful walls and the cheerful environment gives it away, the third floor of the Waisman Center is dedicated to children. This space is where Seth Pollak, PhD,…
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The Little Listeners Project: studying language development in toddlers with autism
Even through cute but unintelligible babbles, infants are hard at work learning how to become successful communicators.
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Innovative preschool education and care for kids with disabilities at the Waisman Center
From the soft murmur of voices in the center’s 10 specialty clinics to the loud and steady hum of the MRI on the first floor, the Waisman Center is full of sounds.
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Waisman’s Early Childhood Program selects a new director
Nancy Saevang was recently selected as the new director of Waisman’s Early Childhood Program (WECP). Most recently, Saevang served as the WECP’s associate director and interim director.
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Newborn screening program on UW–Madison campus helps millions
Since 1978, more than 2.5 million Wisconsin babies have been touched by the University of Wisconsin–Madison within their first few days of being born.
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The Waisman Center’s comprehensive care and strides toward early interventions for children with cerebral palsy: Clinics and outreach
The clinics and the research laboratories of the Waisman Center intertwine to care for individuals with cerebral palsy. The mission is one: to improve the outcomes for individuals with cerebral palsy.
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Resilience doesn’t equate to positive outcomes for individuals who have experienced early childhood maltreatment
Early childhood maltreatment can have long lasting effects that follow a person into adulthood.
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Waisman investigators receive grant to improve brain imaging in young children
A team of investigators at the Waisman Center was recently awarded a $2.5 million grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the National Institutes…
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Understanding recovery and development in children
Early interventions in children with cerebral palsy can be pivotal to improving motor and cognitive outcomes. The focus of this study is to longitudinally assess, over the first two years of life,…
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Waisman Center welcomes new faculty to study impacts of early auditory experiences and speech processing in kids
Carlos Benítez-Barrera, PhD, who leads the Pediatric Auditory Experience and Brain lab, is interested in the impact of early auditory experiences, language development, and speech perception in kids and brings new technical…
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New autism group therapy series changes lives
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Oster was 16 when she was diagnosed with autism. Most autistic people are diagnosed young, typically between the ages of four and five according to the Centers for Disease Control…
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New study finds toddlers incorporate gender into their language processing
Our understanding of language relies on more than just the spoken word. A myriad of external cues, like nonverbal signals and a person’s characteristics, contribute to how we understand and process language…
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UW-Madison es clave en estudio emblemático enfocado en el desarrollo del cerebro infantil y el impacto del abuso de substancias y el estrés en niños e infantes
La Universidad de Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) será una de las 25 instituciones que estudiarán el desarrollo temprano del cerebro y comportamiento, y el impacto de la exposición temprana a substancias – como opioides…
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UW-Madison is key site on landmark study focused on early childhood brain development and the impact of substance abuse and stress in infants and young children
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will be one of 25 sites to study early brain and behavior development and the impact of early exposure to substances – such as opioids – and social…
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UCEDD project to address health equity for Latino families of children with developmental disabilities
Padres e Hijos en Acción and the Waisman Center UCEDD announced a $330,000 grant to improve local health care responsiveness to the needs of Latino families of children with developmental disabilities and…
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Waisman CP Clinic strikes a balance
Twins Sebastian and Charlotte Sundly are quite the contrasting pair, yet they balance one another out perfectly in some interesting and unexpected ways.
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A stimulating environment: Waisman Center acquires neuromodulation lab for infants and children
The adaptability of children with disabilities has inspired Bernadette Gillick, PhD, MSPT, PT for the majority of her career.
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When research goes remote: adapting studies in the face of COVID-19
By Peter Jurich, Waisman Science Writer With every challenge comes new opportunities. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. in March 2020, much of the country went on lock-down with only essential…
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The ECHO effect
Project ECHO (the mantra for which is “All teach, all learn”) uses video-conferencing technology to provide education and case consultation on best practice clinical services, training, and resources for individuals with specific…
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New gift to support research and training
A new estate gift will help support research and expand undergraduate and graduate student training in the area of intellectual and developmental disabilities at the Waisman Center. This significant gift – more…
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Waisman Center welcomes a center leader to director position
Qiang Chang, a longstanding member of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Waisman Center’s leadership team, has been named the new director of the center following a nationwide search. Chang will assume the position…
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Here is how a cat can hinder children learning new words
Say you are shown an apple, a banana and a fruit you have never seen before. Then you are asked to pick the “pifo.” Which fruit would you choose? Chances are you…
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After decades of service, Waisman clinician Tina Iyama-Kurtycz retires in December
Iyama-Kurtycz’s journey from an 8-year-old with a dream to a skilled clinician took her to medical school at the University of Michigan and a residency at the University of Kansas. “While at…
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Waisman Center director search advances as interim leadership is named
“Dr. Messing has been an outstanding director of this center since his appointment in 2015. He is both a superb scientist and has been a strong leader across this center’s multifaceted mission,”…
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Background noise may hinder toddlers’ ability to learn words
The environments children are in, including how much and what kinds of stimulation they are exposed to, influence what and how they learn. One important task for children is zeroing in on…
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Waisman Center awarded Evjue grant to expand Day with the Experts series
The Evjue Foundation, the charitable arm of the Capital Times, has awarded the Waisman Center $8,000 to expand the accessibility and reach of its free, community-oriented Day with the Experts series. The…
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Research tackles communication disorders in kids
It has been said that communication is the essence of human life. In fact, our ability to communicate an unlimited number of thoughts and ideas separates humans from all other creatures.
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Infants give strong clues to language learning
Imagine that you’ve been dropped into an unfamiliar country. People are speaking all around you. But you don’t recognize the sounds or objects surrounding you. You don’t even hear words; all the…
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Poverty influences children’s early brain development
Poverty may have direct implications for important, early steps in the development of the brain, saddling children of low-income families with slower rates of growth in two key brain structures, according to…
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Early stress may sensitize girls’ brains for later anxiety
High levels of family stress in infancy are linked to differences in everyday brain function and anxiety in teenage girls, according to new results of a long-running population study by University of…
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Stress may delay brain development in early years
Stress may affect brain development in children according to researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Educational games to train middle schoolers’ attention, empathy
Two years ago Richard Davidson challenged video game manufacturers to develop games that emphasize kindness and compassion instead of violence and aggression.
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Speaker to shed light on how children interact
My own research is really interested in how kids think about themselves and other people as members of different social groups, and the kind of information that’s salient to them very early…
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Appleton Education Foundation Program looks at early childhood development
Parents have little access to research on early childhood development, something the Appleton Education Foundation hopes to rectify with this year’s Community Education Program.
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Study by Waisman Center affiliate Whitney Witt: Mothers of tiny babies suffer, too
Babies born at very low birth weights struggle in their early years and a new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers suggests that their mothers do, too.
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Poor Mental Health Before Pregnancy Increases Risk for Pregnancy Complications
Poor mental health before pregnancy predicts which pregnant women are most likely to have a pregnancy complication and give birth to a low birth-weight baby, a new nationwide survey reveals.
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Early Childhood Stress Has Lingering Effects on Health
Stressful experiences in early childhood can have long-lasting impacts on kids’ health that persist well beyond the resolution of the situation.
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Making learning look like child’s play
By the time a baby is 10 months old, he or she typically will have heard about a million sentences and many millions more words.
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Study reveals possible genetic risk for fetal alcohol disorders
New research in primates suggests that infants and children who carry a certain gene variant may be more vulnerable to the ill effects of fetal alcohol exposure.
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Researchers study hearing, language
Infant Learning Lab researchers have recently focused on learning more about people with delayed language comprehension by observing learning methods used by children developing normally and children experiencing language delays.
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Baby talk: UW’s Waisman lab explores the how and why behind an infant’s first words
A child’s first word is a special moment, their eyes widening in curiosity, one chubby finger pointing to an object in sudden recognition as “juice” or “train.”
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Infant Survives Rare Disorder with help of Waisman Center and UW Hospital
A Baraboo infant overcame a life threatening condition thanks to the efforts of UW Hospital doctors in conjunction with Waisman Center doctors and nutritionists. The Waisman Center’s role was in the acute…
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Psychologists glimpse biological imprint of childhood neglect
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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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Study depicts peril, hope for children of jailed mothers
For a young child whose mother is imprisoned, life’s prospects are predictably grim.
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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…
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Saffran receives prestigious psychology award
How babies learn language is a question Jenny Saffran has spent the early part of her research career investigating.
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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…
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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.
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Infants may offer clues to language development
You may not know it, but you took a course in linguistics as a baby.
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