Understanding New Research on Early Development — And Why It Gives Me Hope

Every so often, a piece of research comes along that makes me pause, smile gently, and think, “Yes… this helps us understand our little ones even better.”

I’ve been reading a recent article from Neuroscience News, which shares new findings about how early development unfolds and what might influence conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). And don’t worry — I’m not here to bury you in complicated scientific terms. My goal, as always, is to translate the science into something comforting, usable, and empowering for parents.

The study introduces what researchers call a “three-hit model” — but I like to think of it more as a gentle explanation of how a child’s early environment and biology combine to shape development.

Here’s the heart of it, in warm, human language:

1️⃣ Some babies are born more sensitive.

Just as some of us have sensitive skin or tummies, some babies have cells — especially their little energy factories (mitochondria) — that are more reactive to change. This sensitivity is inherited, just like eye colour or curly hair.

2️⃣ Early life experiences matter.

During pregnancy and the first few years of life, babies are remarkably aware of their environment. Certain stressors or challenges can activate their body’s natural protective mode — what science calls the cell danger response.

(It’s simply the body’s way of saying, “I need to shield myself while I figure things out.”)

3️⃣ Long-term stress makes it harder to switch this mode off.

If a baby or toddler experiences ongoing stressors — anything from environmental toxins to infections to emotional stress in the family — their protective systems can stay switched on longer than helpful.

When this happens during big developmental windows (especially late pregnancy to age three), it can shape how their brain and body grow.

Researchers describe these three steps as primers, triggers, and amplifiers — but what matters most is this:

⭐ Two of the three factors are changeable. Modifiable. Preventable.

This is incredibly hopeful news.

Just as we learned years ago that babies with phenylketonuria (PKU) could thrive with early dietary support, this model suggests the same:
When we understand a baby’s sensitivities early, we can support them in ways that reduce risk and soften challenges.

In other words…

💛 Early awareness and gentle support can make a real difference.

For some children, it may even prevent symptoms from developing.
For others, it can significantly reduce the difficulties they experience.

And this is why I stay so deeply engaged with research like this.

Because as the Baby Body Language expert, my work is about listening — not only to the babies in front of me, but to the science that helps explain their early imprints, behaviours, and needs.

Every new study like this enriches the way I guide parents:
with empathy, with evidence, with practical wisdom, and with the deep belief that children thrive when we truly understand them.

If anything you’ve read here brings questions or feelings to the surface, you are warmly invited to reach out. We navigate these conversations together — gently, respectfully, and with compassion.

— Anne Matthews
Baby Body Language Expert & Reflective Parenting Coach