The Developing Brain New Perspectives from the World of Brain Sciences Tim Callahan, Psy.D. Greene County Educational Service Center Director of Mental Health Services

A Scientific Leap Paradigm Shift Genetics & Epi-Genetics Brain, Neurosciences Functional MRI, Brain Mapping Attachment Theory Research

Paradigm Shift Complexity By Design, Survival & Adaptation Evolutionary Mismatch Nature and Nurture Biological Nature of Relationships Developmental Updates/New OS Brain Regulation Socio-Politics Perspective Reality??

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STRESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Modern vs Instinctual Brains Survival - Fight/Flight/Fright Immune System Developed via Nature & Nurture Threat Button Cortisol Cascade Executive Functioning Over-ride “Crisis” Hyper-Excitable Nervous System

Health=Regulation=Brain Health=Connections Connections=Stimulation/Rest while anchored to Trustworthy Adult with support and praise Ongoing interaction between inherent features and environmental influences over time and through developmental windows/stages 21

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 Brain Neuroplasticity Adaptability Trauma, Stress & Resiliency Neuronal Connectivity Health Creating Environments to Build/Sustain Resiliency Relationships as Anchors

Nature-Nurture SPECTRUM Genetic <~~~~~~~> Environment

Burst & Prune Time-Released Neuronal Growth Bursts Activation & Pruning Efficiency Mirroring with Caregivers Critical 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.): Autonomy Preschool (4-6 y.o.): Initiative Childhood (7-12 y.o.): Industry Adolescence (13-19 y.o.): Identity Young Adulthood (20-34 y.o.): Intimacy Middle Adulthood (35-65 y.o.): Generativity Senior (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 Window Burst then Prune The Big Gap: Reward v.s. Consequences Prepare for New Stage of Independence Hormones Myelination Evolutionary Mismatch

Reading Emotions

Gender Differences Same But So So Different 1% of 30,000 Genes Hormone Marinates Different Circuits for Same Task Compatible Complex Brains By Design

Implications Inherent Features of School & “Success” Exclusive Society & Civil Rights Resiliency & Environments Relationships Development-Based Education, Prevention & Intervention Brain Health Early & Often Family & Community Engagement Access to Help Shifting Paradigm & Perspective Legislation & Funding

The Recipe Safety Dignity Respect for Individual Differences Readiness Compassion Relationships Praise Stimulation & Rest Curiosity, Humor, Playfulness Prosthetics