Commonality and variability in functional networks in children under 5 years old

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Abstract
Functional brain networks support human cognition, yet how individualized network architecture emerges in early childhood remains poorly understood. Averaging across participants can obscure age-specific organization and person-to-person differences, particularly in slowly developing association cortices. We developed an age-appropriate functional reference that captured common structure across toddlers without averaging away individual variability, enabling estimation of each child’s networks from resting-state fMRI. Across cohorts of 8-60-month-old children, we found individualized network organization-including finer-scale subdivisions and emerging language lateralization well before age five. Network layouts showed longitudinal stability, with greater consistency in sensory than association regions. Within-network connectivity was stronger and explained age-related variance when networks were defined using individualized rather than group-consensus topography. Left-lateralization of language networks tracked age-normalized verbal ability, linking early functional architecture to emerging cognition. These findings show that behaviorally relevant brain networks arise far earlier than previously recognized, providing a foundation for studying typical development and early biomarkers.
Funding Information
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01HD115540)
  • National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (R00EB029343)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH122389)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH134966)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH131584)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH113883)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH104324)

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