Brain development and plasticity in children and adolescents

The human brain undergoes significant transformations during childhood and adolescence. While early childhood is marked by visible milestones such as walking and language acquisition, adolescence involves more complex shifts in cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and autonomy.

Central to this development is neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself and adapt to new experiences. According to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), this capacity allows certain brain regions to assume functions from damaged areas and create new connections during learning. This flexibility is notably higher in children, though areas that lack early stimulation tend to weaken as the brain optimizes its resources.