Study Reveals Importance of Childhood Brain Studies
A new study from researchers at Simon Fraser University is offering new insight into how the brain’s wiring in early childhood plays a major role in developing attention skills. Published in the journal eNeuro, the study followed 39 children between the ages of four and seven over the course of a year. Researchers used MRI scans to observe how the brain’s structure and function work together to support different types of attention.
The children participated in tasks that tested their ability to stay focused, ignore distractions, and switch between activities. The study found that children performed better when their brain networks were more organized, with strong connections within certain areas of the brain and fewer random links between different areas. This type of network helped support stronger attention and focus.
Dr. Randy McIntosh, the study’s senior author, explained the idea by comparing the brain to a city. “The roads are the brain’s structure, and the traffic is the brain’s activity. If the roads aren’t built well, traffic can’t flow smoothly, and that can affect how well kids can focus, switch tasks, and ignore distractions.”
Lead author Leanne Rokos said that early childhood is an important time because children are just beginning school and learning how to manage new demands. She explained that identifying attention challenges early could lead to helpful support before problems grow more serious.
At MLEC, students face many academic pressures and expectations. Understanding how attention develops can help schools like this give students the support they need to succeed.
“Looking back, I think if someone had understood how my brain was wired earlier on, I wouldn’t have felt so behind. I used to get frustrated with myself, thinking I just wasn’t trying hard enough. Knowing studies like this exist gives me hope that future students at schools like mine can get help before they start falling through the cracks,” said senior Antonio Quintal.
Attention isn’t just about academics; it also shapes how students handle stress, relationships, and everyday challenges. When the brain’s wiring supports focus and flexibility, kids are better prepared to manage both schoolwork and life outside the classroom.
“I’ve had classmates who struggle to concentrate, and it’s not because they don’t care. Sometimes they just need a different kind of support. If this research leads to better ways to identify those needs early, schools like ours can really benefit. It could help students succeed not just academically, but emotionally too,” said senior class president Melanie Laverde.
The researchers hope their findings will lead to new tools that are easier to access than MRI scans. Their goal is to help schools everywhere better understand brain development and give more children the support they need at the right time.
With technology that can simulate brain development and test different types of support, scientists may one day be able to create personalized plans for students. While this technology is still being developed, the research points to a future where more children can succeed with the right help at the right time.e.
