http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/1/e224.full.pdf
Translating Developmental Science Into Lifelong Health
Early Childhood Adversity, Toxic Stress, and the Role of the Pediatrician
Advances in a wide range of biological, behavioral, and social sciences
are expanding our understanding of how early environmental influences
(the ecology) and genetic predispositions (the biologic program) affect
learning capacities, adaptive behaviors, lifelong physical and mental
health, and adult productivity. A supporting technical report from the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) presents an integrated ecobiodevelopmental
framework to assist in translating these dramatic advances
in developmental science into improved health across the life span.
Pediatricians are now armed with new information about the adverse
effects of toxic stress on brain development, as well as a deeper understanding
of the early life origins of many adult diseases. As trusted authorities
in child health and development, pediatric providers must now
complement the early identification of developmental concerns with
a greater focus on those interventions and community investments that
reduce external threats to healthy brain growth. To this end, AAP
endorses a developing leadership role for the entire pediatric community
one that mobilizes the scientific expertise of both basic and
clinical researchers, the family-centered care of the pediatric medical
home, and the public influence of AAP and its state chaptersto
catalyze fundamental change in early childhood policy and services.
AAP is committed to leveraging science to inform the development of
innovative strategies to reduce the precipitants of toxic stress in young
children and to mitigate their negative effects on the course of development
and health across the life span. Pediatrics 2012;129:e224e231