Charles Nelson - Romania's Abandoned Children

Charles Nelson, a professor at Harvard, discusses a study on children in Romanian institutions. The study, conducted with Nathan Fox and Charles Zeanah, examines the effects of deprivation on brain development during critical periods. A randomized control trial was set up, placing some children in foster care and others remaining in institutions. Results show significant developmental differences, with foster care before age two leading to better outcomes. The study has influenced global policies on institutional care and has implications for educators dealing with children from deprived backgrounds.

What critical period was identified in relation to the placement of children in foster care?

In what ways can teachers use the findings from this research to support children in their classrooms?

What challenges do children adopted from institutions often face according to the research?