18. Children, Development, and the DMN
The default mode network is not fully formed at birth; it gradually develops through childhood and adolescence. As the DMN matures, it plays a crucial role in shaping self-awareness, social understanding, and higher cognitive abilities. This growth parallels a child’s expanding sense of identity and ability to reflect on their own thoughts and experiences. Understanding DMN development helps explain the cognitive and emotional leaps children make as they grow, learning to navigate the world and their place within it.