Research
Emphasis Areas

Research Affiliates

Core Services
Behavioral Science Core

Brain Imaging Core

Cellular Morphology Core

Genetics Core

Infant Primate Research Laboratory Core

Instrument Development Laboratory Core

Dimitri Christakis, M.D., M.P.H.

Pediatrics, Health Sciences
Research Affiliate, Center on Human Development and Disability
dachris@u.washington.edu
206-884-8237
University of Washington, Box 359300

Dr. Christakis’ work focuses on the impact that early experiences have on children’s cognitive, social, and behavioral development. He is testing practical, actionable strategies to optimize early environments to help children reach their full potential with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations. His central theory is that there are “good” and “bad” types of stimulation that occur in the first years of life during a critical window of brain development.

Christakis is exploring the extent to which the mind is conditioned to the world it inhabits early in life. Prior studies have found that infant television viewing is associated with subsequent attention problems; that a block distribution program can promote language development; and that early exposures to violent programming increase aggression at school age. He is also currently working on animal models of his overstimulation hypothesis.

Dimitri Christakis's Seattle Childrens web page

University of Washington • Center on Human Development and Disability Box 357920 • Seattle WA 98195-7920 USA • 206-543-7701 •chdd@u.washington.edu