The impact of child poverty on brain development: does money matter?

Abstract

The development of the human nervous system makes up a series of fundamental and interdependent events involving birth, growth, and neuronal maturation, in addition to the positive or negative selection of synapses of these neurons that will participate in the composition of neural circuits essential to the activity of the nervous system. In this context, where environment and social relationships seem to be relevant markers for neurodevelopment, advanced neuroimaging techniques and behavioral assessment tools have demonstrated alterations in brain regions and cognitive functions among children developing in low or high socioeconomic status environments. Considering the aspects mentioned, this review aimed to identify the importance of socioeconomic status in children’s brain development, seeking to identify what are the impacts of these factors on the morphological and physiological formation of the nervous system, allowing a greater understanding of the importance of environmental factors in neurodevelopmental processes.

Association between Contextual Factors and Affordances in the Home Environment of Infants Exposed to Poverty

“…Certainly, economic resources are typically directed towards fulfilling basic necessities, such as food and housing, often relegating the purchasing of toys and materials to stimulate child development to a lower priority. Because the home environment significantly influences the stimulation of child growth and development, infants exposed to poverty may present deficits in domains such as motor skills [32], personal and social skills, problem resolution, and communication [33]. Consequently, the findings of this study emphasize the importance of public health professional networks offering clear and precise guidance to caregivers on how to stimulate the child development of infants exposed to poverty within the home environment, using alternatives which will be addressed in this discussion.…”