Work

Functional brain growth trajectories across the first decade of life from a single longitudinal cohort

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: The first decade of life is marked by rapid reorganization of functional brain networks, yet normative longitudinal trajectories of key properties characterizing brain functional connectivity remain poorly defined. Using 1,436 resting-state fMRI scans from 633 children followed from birth to 10 years, we derived the first normative growth trajectories of functional connectivity maturation, network topology, and large-scale functional gradients. Network development followed a hierarchical, nonlinear pattern from primary to transmodal systems. Children later diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders showed disrupted functional gradient trajectories. Early measures of functional connectivity predicted later socioemotional and cognitive outcomes at 8 and 10 years of age. A deep learning brain-age prediction model revealed disorder-specific deviations, distinguishing risk groups in early childhood. Together, these findings establish normative reference curves for functional brain development and demonstrate the prognostic value of early functional connectivity measures, offering novel imaging biomarkers for the early identification of neurodevelopmental risk.

Source: Research Square

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9557891/v1