Maturation of the central nervous system as related to communication and cognitive development

Major events that occur in the maturation of the the human central nervous system (CNS) are reviewed relative to milestones for communication, speech, language, and cognition. Early insults to the CNS and their neuropsychological consequences are discussed in relation to the timing of neuroanatomical maturation. Particular attention is given to patterns of myelination and dendritic branching as they relate to evolving stages of language and cognition.