Children Need Attention and Interaction for Optimal Early Brain Development

Neglected children do better when they are relocated to nurturing environments at a young age. In a study of 136 children from Romanian orphanages, researchers found that all of the children were below normal on physical growth and development tests.

Children were then split into two groups; half stayed at the institution, and half were placed in foster homes. Children who were placed in foster homes experienced much more rapid growth than the cohort that stayed in the orphanage. By 1 year of age, they had all achieved normal height, and 90% had attained normal weight.

In addition to gains in growth, children placed with foster families were better able to think, learn, and memorize, and their increased height scores were directly associated with increased verbal IQs scores. University of Maryland professor Nathan A. Fox suggests that the two factors, attention and nutrition, are mutually dependant. He explains, "Psychosocial stimulus interacts with the physiological system. It increases production of growth hormone and reduces stress. Providing adequate psychosocial stimulus is necessary for growth." Although the study focuses on Romanian orphans, the authors insist that the results are applicable to all children. In Memphis, half of children are born into conditions that place them at-risk for poor developmental outcomes. These children would benefit from more interaction and attention.