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Experts tell Senate committee early experiences shape infants' brains; 6‑month language activity cited
Summary
Researchers from NCSL and the University of Washington told the Senate Children and Youth Committee that early, frequent experiences build neural connections in infants and toddlers; MEG studies showed coordinated language-area activity by 12 months and surprising speaking-area activation at six months, underscoring the need for nurturing caregiving and supportive policies.
Researchers said the earliest experiences matter most for long‑term learning and development, and that public policy can affect whether children get those formative experiences.
Jennifer Palmer, policy associate at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), framed the presentation and described NCSL's role in summarizing state legislation and convening policymakers. She introduced Dr. Sarah Lytle of the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences (iLABS), University of Washington, who delivered the scientific briefing.
Dr. Lytle described…
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