Abstract
Background: Early-life adversity (ELA) is a known risk factor for atypical neurodevelopment, yet its effects on functional brain connectivity during the toddler period remain poorly understood. This study examined resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) in toddlers with and without exposure to ELA, focusing on networks implicated in emotional regulation and cognitive control.Methods: Thirty toddlers aged 18–36 months (15 with ELA exposure, 15 typically developing controls) underwent resting-state functional MRI. Seed-based connectivity analyses were performed for the amygdala and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Groups were compared using independent t-tests, and regression models assessed the contribution of cumulative adversity scores.Results: Toddlers with ELA showed significantly reduced amygdala–PFC connectivity (t(28)=3.12, p=0.004) and increased amygdala–insula connectivity (t(28)=2.45, p=0.021). Higher cumulative adversity scores predicted weaker amygdala–PFC connectivity (β=−0.52, p=0.003). No group differences were observed in sensorimotor networks.Conclusions: ELA is associated with altered RSFC in fronto-limbic circuits during toddlerhood, suggesting early neural markers of risk for socio-emotional difficulties. These findings highlight the importance of early intervention in at-risk populations.