ABSTRACT
Understanding child development, both normal and abnormal, requires an appreciation of the biological building blocks of an organism. Genetic transmission leads to neurulation and the growth of the nervous system, within which developmental accidents and the negative effects of teratogens can result in atypical and sometimes catastrophic consequences. The development of the brain is almost incomprehensibly complex, and the establishment of brain circuitries and areas of specialization can be impacted by maternal health, prematurity, and perinatal medical complications. Prevention and early identification/intervention is the key to building resilience and to enhancing the capacity of the developing organism to cope with developmental demands and the acquired threats to health and vitality.
