critical period plasticity

Critical period plasticity refers to a specific window in early development when the brain is especially adaptable to learning certain skills, like language or vision. During this time, neural connections are highly flexible, allowing the brain to reorganize based on experiences. If the necessary stimuli don't occur within this critical window, the ability to develop those skills may be significantly diminished or harder to achieve later in life. This period of heightened plasticity is essential for optimal brain development, after which the brain becomes more stable and less receptive to change in those areas.