Brain and cognitive development in early childhood

Childhood memory refers to memories formed during childhood.
Among its other roles, memory functions to guide present behaviour and to predict future outcomes.
Memory in childhood is qualitatively and quantitatively different from the memories formed and retrieved in late adolescence and the adult years.
Childhood memory research is relatively recent in relation to the study of other types of cognitive processes underpinning behaviour.
Understanding the mechanisms by which memories in childhood are encoded and later retrieved has important implications in many areas.
Research into childhood memory includes topics such as childhood memory formation and retrieval mechanisms in relation to those in adults, controversies surrounding infantile amnesia and the fact that adults have relatively poor memories of early childhood, the ways in which school environment and family environment influence memory, and the ways in which memory can be improved in childhood to improve overall cognition, performance in school, and well-being, both in childhood and in adulthood.

Early childhood intervention (ECI) is a support and educational system for very young children who have been victims of, or who are at high risk for child abuse and/or neglect as well as children who have developmental delays or disabilities.
Some states and regions have chosen to focus these services on children with developmental disabilities or delays, but Early Childhood Intervention is not limited to children with these disabilities.

Early childhood trauma refers to various types of adversity and traumatic events experienced during the early years of a person's life.
This is deemed the most critical developmental period in human life by psychologists.
A critical period refers to a sensitive time during the early years of childhood in which children may be more vulnerable to be affected by environmental stimulation.
These traumatic events can include serious sickness, natural disasters, family violence, sudden separation from a family member, being the victim of abuse, or suffering the loss of a loved one.
Traumatic experiences in early childhood can result in severe consequences throughout adulthood, for instance developing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety.
Negative childhood experiences can have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity.
However, not all children who are exposed to negative stimuli in early childhood will be affected severely in later life; some children come out unscathed after being faced with traumatic events, which is known as resilience.
Many factors can account for the invulnerability displayed by certain children in response to adverse social conditions: gender, vulnerability, social support systems, and innate character traits.
Much of the research in this area has referred to the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE) study.
The ACE study found several protective factors against developing mental health disorders, including mother-child relations, parental health, and community support.
However, having adverse childhood experiences creates long-lasting impacts on psychosocial functioning, such as a heightened awareness of environmental threats, feelings of loneliness, and cognitive deficits.
Individuals with ACEs are more prone to developing severe symptoms than individuals in the same diagnostic category.