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A child’s rapid cognitive development begins from the earliest ages and may continue into young adulthood. Before they can talk, tots are learning how the world works and how they can apply that knowledge. “Test Subjects in Diapers,” by Gisa Aschersleben, reveals how quickly infants learn to think critically--and the ways in which scientists can “ask” babbling babies to show what they know.

Knowledge about a child’s rapid mental development also serves to emphasize the importance of early intervention in cases where children have special needs. Articles in the issue explore faster detection of disorders and possible therapies for children with autism, ADHD and Down syndrome.

When does the brain finish “growing up”? Many neuroscientists say that cognitive development, especially in areas of the brain that are associated with decision making and other “executive” functions, continues into the second decade of life, reports Leslie Sabbagh in “The Teen Brain, Hard at Work.” Meanwhile psychologist Robert Epstein warns against excess reductionism in applying imaging studies of teen and adult brains to complex human behaviors. We blame teen turmoil on immature brains--but, he asks, did the brains cause the turmoil, or did the turmoil affect the brains?

As you page through the articles in the issue, we hope one thing will be clear: as we learn more about how the mind operates, we are better able to help children grow up to lead happy, fulfilling lives.

INFANCY

Big Answers from Little People by David Dobbs
In infants, Elizabeth Spelke finds fundamental insights into how men and women think

Test Subjects in Diapers by Gisa Aschersleben
When do babies recognize the intentions of others—and become capable of deliberate actions themselves?

Detecting Autism Early by Ulrich Kraft
New techniques could diagnose autism in babies, enabling more effective treatment while the brain is most malleable

Broken Mirrors: A Theory of Autism by Vilayanur S. Ramachandran and Lindsay M. Oberman
Studies of the mirror neuron system may reveal clues to the causes of autism and help researchers develop new ways to diagnose and treat the disorder

CHILDHOOD

Mindful of Symbols by Judy S. DeLoache
On the way to learning that one thing can represent another, young children often conflate the real item and its symbol. These errors show how difficult it is to start thinking symbolically

Informing the ADHD Debate by Aribert Rothenberger and Tobias Banaschewski
The latest neurological research has injected much needed objectivity into the disagreement over how best to treat children with attention-deficit disorders

Just a Bit Different by Ingelore Moeller
With special training early in life, children born with Down syndrome have a higher chance of developing into independent individuals

Stopping the Bullies by Mechthild Schaefer
School can be torture for children who are targeted by abusive students

TEENAGE YEARS

The Teen Brain, Hard at Work by Leslie Sabbagh
Under challenging conditions, adolescents may assess and react less efficiently than adults

Is the Teen Brain Too Rational? by Valerie F. Reyna and Frank Farley
With the decision-making areas of their brains still developing, teenagers show poor judgment in risky situations. Thinking less logically may be the answer

The Myth of the Teen Brain by Robert Epstein
We blame teen turmoil on immature brains. But did the brains cause the turmoil, or did the turmoil shape the brains?

Train Your Brain by Ulrich Kraft
Mental exercises with neurofeedback may ease symptoms of attention-deficit disorder, epilepsy and depression--and even boost cognition in healthy brains

Circuit Training by Kaspar Mossman
Computer games for mental workouts