Gunnar featured on KSTP news discussing toxic stress

GunnarM-prefMegan Gunnar, director and Regents Professor at the Institute of Child Development, is featured in a news story Experts Focus on Early Intervention for Kids Experiencing ‘Toxic Stress’, on KSTP-TV. The story highlights Gunnar’s presentation on toxic stress at a recent symposium held by St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development, The Neuroscience of Childhood Stress and Applications that Foster Resiliency. Gunnar shared research about the effects of toxic stress on brain development in young children and how these effects can be mitigated. Research has shown that establishing secure, nurturing relationships through early intervention can protect children and alter the course of their development.

St. David’s staff has been focusing on early intervention as one part of their service areas with children and families suffering from toxic stress.  “One of our three core service areas is early intervention and treatment for kids who are facing developmental challenges,” St. David’s Center executive director Julie Sjordal said.