News The Impact of Early Adversity on Children's Development Posted October 21, 2009 By News editor This video from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University outlines basic concepts from the research on the biology of stress which show that major adversity can weaken developing brain architecture and permanently set the body's stress response system on high alert. Science also shows that providing stable, responsive environments for children in the earliest years of life can prevent or reverse these conditions, with lifelong consequences for learning, behavior, and health. News The latest research, perspectives, and highlights from the Harvard Graduate School of Education Explore All Articles Related Articles News Early Predictors of Long-term Success Ph.D. student Wendy Wei studies how various contextual factors in school, home, and neighborhood promote children's development during early childhood. Ed. Magazine Harvard EdCast: The Future of Early Childhood Ed Usable Knowledge Protecting Children's Brains Professor Jack Shonkoff explains some of the science behind early childhood development and how education can help.