What happens once a sensitive period for learning passes?

Once a sensitive period for learning has passed, learning can still occur but often requires more effort and may not be as efficient as during the sensitive period. Sensitive periods are times in development when the brain is particularly receptive to certain types of learning, like language acquisition or social skills. After these periods, while the ability to learn remains, the brain may not process information in the same optimal way, making it more challenging to acquire new skills or knowledge compared to the earlier period. This concept is especially evident in the acquisition of languages; individuals who start learning a new language after the sensitive period may struggle more with pronunciation and grammar compared to those who learned earlier.