The Developing BrainNew Perspectives from the World of Brain

Sciences

Tim Callahan, Psy.D.Greene County Educational Service

CenterDirector of Mental Health Services

A Scientific LeapParadigm Shift

Genetics & Epi-Genetics Brain, Neurosciences

Functional MRI, Brain MappingAttachment Theory

Research

Paradigm ShiftComplexity

By Design, Survival & AdaptationEvolutionary Mismatch

Nature and NurtureBiological Nature of RelationshipsDevelopmental Updates/New OS

Brain RegulationSocio-PoliticsPerspective

Reality??

STRESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Modern vs Instinctual BrainsSurvival - Fight/Flight/Fright

Immune SystemDeveloped via Nature & Nurture

Threat ButtonCortisol Cascade

Executive Functioning Over-ride“Crisis”

Hyper-Excitable Nervous System

Neurotransmitters & Relationships

•Serotonin•Dopamine•Epinephrine•Norepinephrine•GABA

Superstition, Ritual & Control

“Lacking Control Increases Illusory Pattern Perception”, Science, 2008

•Perceived control over stressors wires brain through F.L.

•Lack of perceived control wires brain through primitive region

•Cause & Effect

•Impact on responsiveness to interventions

Plasticity & Resilience

The Compensating BrainNeuroplasticityAdaptability

Trauma, Stress & ResiliencyNeuronal Connectivity Health

Creating Environments to Build/Sustain Resiliency

Relationships as Anchors

Nature-Nurture SPECTRUM

Genetic <~~~~~~~> Environment

Face-to-Face Interaction

Burst & PruneTime-Released Neuronal Growth Bursts

Activation & PruningEfficiency

Mirroring with CaregiversCritical Windows

Overhaul & Installation of New OS/Updates

The Damage of Neglect

Erickson’s Stages of Development

Infancy (0-1 y.o.): Trust Toddler (2-3 y.o.): AutonomyPreschool (4-6 y.o.): InitiativeChildhood (7-12 y.o.): IndustryAdolescence (13-19 y.o.): IdentityYoung Adulthood (20-34 y.o.): IntimacyMiddle Adulthood (35-65 y.o.): GenerativitySenior (65+ y.o.): Integrity

Adolescence Defined

A developmental transition between childhood and

adulthood.

“Sturm und Drang" -- storm and stress. G.

Stanley Hall

The Storming Teen Brain

Critical WindowBurst then Prune

The Big Gap: Reward v.s. Consequences

Prepare for New Stage of Independence

HormonesMyelination

Evolutionary Mismatch

Reading Emotions

Gender Differences

Same But So So Different1% of 30,000 Genes Hormone Marinates

Different Circuits for Same TaskCompatible Complex Brains

By Design

ImplicationsInherent Features of School & “Success”

Exclusive Society & Civil RightsResiliency & Environments

RelationshipsDevelopment-Based Education, Prevention &

InterventionBrain HealthEarly & Often

Family & Community EngagementAccess to Help

Shifting Paradigm & PerspectiveLegislation & Funding

The Recipe

SafetyDignity

Respect for Individual Differences Readiness

CompassionRelationships

PraiseStimulation & Rest

Curiosity, Humor, PlayfulnessProsthetics