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Abstract

Dramatic advances in developmental sciences are beginning to reveal the biological mechanisms underlying well-established associations between early childhood adversity and lifelong measures of limited productivity and poor health. The case studies by Chilton and Rabinowich provide poignant and compelling qualitative data that support an ecobiodevelopmental approach towards understanding and addressing both the complex causes and intergenerational consequences of food insecurity.

Key Take Away Points

  • Chilton and Rabinowich provide qualitative insights on both the causes and consequences of food insecurity.
  • Their analysis is consistent with recent advances in epigenetics and neuroscience.
  • An ecobiodevelopmental framework sheds new light on the biological basis for persistent disparities in education, poverty, and health.

Author Biography

Andrew S. Garner, MD, PhD, is a primary care pediatrician with University Hospitals Medical Practices, and Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio. A vocal advocate for investments in families with children, Dr. Garner is active in the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is currently the Treasurer of the Ohio Chapter, and serves nationally as a member of both the Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health and the Early Brain and Child Development Leadership Workgroup. Dr. Garner’s doctorate is in Neuroscience.

Acknowledgements

Dr. Garner would like to thank his partners in practice, Drs. Columbro, Greenberg, Carruthers and Wu, for their continued support of his activities "outside the office."

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A Response To:

Toxic Stress and Child Hunger Over the Life Course: Three Case Studies by Mariana Chilton and Jenny Rabinowich.