What Growing Up In a Pandemic is Doing to Our Youngest Kids’ Brains

The things that happen to us when we are children can follow us for the rest of our lives. Neuroscience research shows the chronic stress caused by poverty, abuse and other trauma literally leaves its mark on a child’s brain. Stress during pregnancy can even increase the risk of ADHD. 

Now we’re living through what some early childhood researchers call the biggest source of stress in a generation — The pandemic has brought strain and suffering to many families. Parents have lost jobs. Mental health problems and substance abuse are rising. Emergency room visits suggest child abuse is, too.

What mark will the pandemic leave on the generation growing up right now? Listen to the MPR story