Early Brain Networks at Birth Linked to Future Social Behavior
New findings reveal that key social brain networks are active at birth, influencing social behaviors and potentially autism risk later in life. Learn about the early development of social perception pathways in infants.
Recent research from Yale School of Medicine has revealed that a specific brain network active at birth plays a pivotal role in shaping social behaviors later in life. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science, shows that the social perception pathway—comprising regions involved in processing faces, speech, and gaze—is already highly connected within a few weeks after birth.
Understanding the development of this pathway is crucial because reduced attention to faces is a key indicator of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While previous studies suggested that social brain networks develop over time, this new research demonstrates that they are quite functional at a very early stage.
Using data from the Developing Human Connectome Project, researchers analyzed brain imaging from infants up to 10 months old. They found that the connectivity within this social perception network was already robust within the first few weeks after birth. Notably, similar connectivity patterns were observed in children with a family history of ASD, indicating this pathway’s early development might be linked to later social difficulties.
Longitudinal observations showed that infants with stronger connectivity in this pathway at birth paid more attention to faces at four months old. This increased attention was associated with fewer social challenges by 18 months. These findings suggest that the foundational neural circuits for social attention are established shortly after birth, influencing social engagement skills development.
The interdisciplinary team at Yale continues to investigate how early brain connectivity impacts social attention and engagement, aiming to enhance understanding of typical and atypical development. This research provides valuable insights into the neurobiological basis of social behavior and may inform early interventions for autism and related conditions.
For more details, see the full study: Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science, 2025.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-brain-network-birth-linked-social.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Research Links Childhood Health Factors to Men’s Risk of Chronic Diseases in Later Life
Childhood health factors like overweight and infections can influence men's long-term health, increasing risks of chronic diseases. New research highlights the role of early-life biomarkers in predicting adult health outcomes.
Regular Sexual Activity Linked to Reduced Pain and Discomfort in Midlife Women: New Research
New research shows that regular sexual activity in women aged 40-79 may help reduce pain, irritation, and dryness associated with menopause, improving overall sexual health and quality of life.
Innovative Approach to Boost Brain Immunity Against HSV-1 by Targeting Viral Enzymes
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a novel gene therapy targeting viral enzymes to reactivate the brain's natural immune defenses against HSV-1, opening new doors in treating deadly brain infections.