LSLT: Rachel Romeo (HDQM)

The role of early experiences on the neurobiology of language and literacy development

Within the first years of life, children develop a remarkable set of communicative skills, yet individual children vary widely in their trajectories of learning and development. My research program explores the causes and consequences of individual differences in language and literacy development, with a specific focus on neurodevelopmental mechanisms. In this talk, I will present an overview of my previous work on how children’s early experiences—both favorable and adverse—influence the neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying language and literacy development. I will also present ongoing work investigating how cognition-brain relationships vary across socioeconomic contexts. Finally, I will discuss translational implications of this work for educational practice and social policy to optimally support the development of all children.