Senate committee hears experts on infant brain development, gaps in services for Oregon’s youngest children

State senators convening the Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health heard pediatric and policy experts on infant brain development, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and gaps in Oregon’s prevention and treatment services.

The meeting, opened by State Senator Lisa Reynolds, featured pediatric hospitalist Dr. Angela Zellin and Dana Hepper, director of policy and advocacy at the Children’s Institute, who described how rapid brain growth in the prenatal period through the first year of life creates both ‘‘incredible potential and also incredible vulnerability,’’ and cited program and coverage shortfalls that leave many high‑risk infants without proven services.

The experts emphasized timing: ‘‘The newborn brain is about 10% of their body weight’’ and ‘‘more than doubles in mass in the 1st year of life,’’ Dr. Angela Zellin said, outlining neural proliferation, pruning and the sensitivity of gene expression to early experiences (epigenetics). Zellin said prolonged activation of the stress response—so‑called toxic stress—can alter brain architecture and raise long‑term risks for anxiety, depression, substance…