What's Going on in There?

Summary

As a research neuroscientist, Lise Eliot has made the study of the human brain her life's work. But it wasn't until she was pregnant with her first child that she became intrigued with the study of brain development. She wanted to know precisely how the baby's brain is formed, and when and how each sense, skill, and cognitive ability is developed. And most importantly, she was interested in finding out how her role as a nurturer can affect this complex process. How much of her baby's development is genetically ordained—and how much is determined by environment? Is there anything parents can do to make their babies' brains work better—to help them become smarter, happier people? Drawing upon the exploding research in this field as well as the stories of real children, What's Going On in There? is a lively and thought-provoking book that charts the brain's development from conception through the critical first five years. In examining the many factors that play crucial roles in that process, What's Going On in There? explores the evolution of the senses, motor skills, social and emotional behaviors, and mental functions such as attention, language, memory, reasoning, and intelligence. This remarkable book also discusses:

• how a baby's brain is "assembled" from scratch


• the critical prenatal factors that shape brain development


• how the birthing process itself affects the brain


• which forms of stimulation are most effective at promoting cognitive development


• how boys' and girls' brains develop differently


• how nutrition, stress, and other physical and social factors can permanently affect a child's brain