Protecting Your Child’s Brain: Why Baseline Testing Matters More Than You Think

Imagine this: Your child is out on the field, running full speed, locked into the game. Whether it's football, soccer, basketball, or even gymnastics, they're pushing their limits. Now ask yourself—what happens if they take a hit? Not just the big, obvious ones, but the smaller, repeated impacts that don’t seem like a big deal at the time? Would you know if it affected their brain? Would they?

As parents, we do everything possible to set our kids up for success—in school, sports, and life. But we don’t often think about how their brain is still developing and how those bumps, falls, and hits can impact it not just today, but for years to come.

Brain Development: The Missing Piece in Youth Sports

Most of the time, we hear about brain health when an athlete has already suffered a concussion. But here’s the reality: Brain development happens long before an injury occurs. If we only focus on the brain after an issue, we miss the chance to protect and optimize it before problems arise.

• Gray matter, which controls thinking, decision-making, and movement, develops rapidly and peaks around ages 10-12 before refining itself.

• White matter, which acts like the brain’s communication network, is still developing into the mid-20s. This means the way information is processed, movement is controlled, and decisions are made are still forming well past their high school years.

When injuries—even minor ones—occur during this time, they can disrupt the way the brain is wired for life. This isn’t just about sports—it’s about

their ability to focus in school, manage emotions, and make quick decisions long after they stop playing.

It’s Not Just Concussions—Subtle Hits Matter Too

Most people think about brain injuries in terms of major concussions. But research now shows that sub-concussive impacts—those smaller, repetitive hits—can also alter brain function over time. These don’t always come from massive collisions; they happen every day in youth sports:

• Heading a soccer ball repeatedly

• Falling off a bike, skateboard, or ski jump

• Accidental elbows, shoves, or bumps in basketball

• Tackles or body checks in football, hockey, or lacrosse

• Even non-contact sports like gymnastics, cheerleading, or track involve falls or whiplash-like forces

The scary part? Most of these don’t result in immediate symptoms. No headache. No dizziness. No red flags. But over time, these minor impacts can change the brain’s development and show up later as trouble focusing, slower reaction times, or increased emotional sensitivity.

Baseline Brain Testing: The Best Way to Protect Their Future

This is where baseline brain testing comes in. A baseline test is like a snapshot of how your child’s brain is functioning right now—before any injuries occur. If something does happen, we have something to compare it to, making it easier to:

• Detect small changes early—before they become major problems

• Make safer return-to-play decisions after an impact or fall

• Ensure your child’s brain is on the right developmental path, not being altered by unseen damage

Think of it like a report card for brain health—but one that could make a life-changing difference in their future.

Why This Matters for You as a Parent

This isn’t just about protecting your child while they play sports. It’s about setting them up for a lifetime of success—both in their athletic career and beyond. When we take steps to monitor and protect their brain early, we’re reducing their risk of long-term problems like memory issues, early cognitive decline, or even neurodegenerative diseases later in life.

And let’s be real—if something did happen, wouldn’t you want to know you had the right tools to get them the best help possible?

As parents, we make sure they wear the right shoes, eat the right food, and get the best coaching. Their brain deserves that same level of attention and protection.

Take Action Now—Before It’s Too Late

Every athlete deserves a strong brain as much as a strong body. Don’t wait until an injury happens to start thinking about it. A simple baseline brain test today can make all the difference in protecting your child’s future—both in sports and in life.

Because at the end of the day, sports will end—but their brain is with them forever.