Human brain development is influenced by early-life experiences, particularly during sensitive periods, with impact on cognitive and emotional outcomes. Understanding how the timing and nature of such experiences (including adversity, trauma, and enrichment) govern their influence on brain organization is crucial for harnessing key environmental factors early in life to enhance brain development. Here we synthesize findings from human and animal studies focusing on sensitive periods and their regional and circuit specificity and highlight the challenge and power of such cross-species approaches in informing the 'next steps' to optimize cognitive and emotional health in developing children. We propose designs for neurodevelopmental optimization research programs utilizing randomized enhancement trials in early childhood to inform public health strategies on prevention and early intervention.

中文翻译：

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早年逆境后的神经发育优化：跨物种研究阐明敏感期和大脑机制以告知早期干预

人脑发育受早期生活经历的影响，特别是在敏感时期，对认知和情感结果产生影响。了解此类经历（包括逆境、创伤和充实）的时间和性质如何控制它们对大脑组织的影响，对于在生命早期利用关键环境因素来促进大脑发育至关重要。在这里，我们综合了关注敏感期及其区域和回路特异性的人类和动物研究的结果，并强调了这种跨物种方法在告知“下一步”以优化发育中儿童的认知和情绪健康方面的挑战和力量。