The Developing Brain A New Paradigm for The 21 st Century Tim Callahan, Psy.D.

Paradigm Shift “…scientific revolutions are inaugurated by a growing sense that an existing paradigm has ceased to function adequately in the exploration of an aspect of nature” Thomas Kuhn

Diverse People, Diverse Learners, Diverse Brains

Nurturing Environments 2009 Institute of Medicine Report: Substantial Interrelationship Among Disorders Common Set of Conditions - The Environment 1. Minimize Toxic Events 2. Teach, Promote, Reinforce Pro-social Behaviors 3. Monitor & Limit Problem Behavior 4. Foster Psychological Flexibility Biglan, Flay, Embry, Sandler -2012

Flexible Brains in Uncertain Times

Technology

Plato & The New Technology “[Writing] will introduce forgetfulness into the soul of those who learn it: they will not practice using their memory because they will put their trust in writing, which is external and depends on signs that belong to others, instead of trying to remember from the inside, completely on their own.” (Phaedrus 275a-b )

By Design: Survival & Adaptation Accumulated Complexity Brain Regulation & Health Biological Nature of Relationships Developmental Operating Systems

Evolutionary Mismatch

Neurotransmitters Serotonin Dopamine Epinephrine Norepinephrine GABA

Threat/Stress Management System By Design Dialogue Between Old & New Immune System Developed Through Exposure Cortisol Cascade “Crisis” Hyper-Excitable Systems Instinct Management

Stress Just Right Not Too Much, Not Too Little

Too Much Stress Brain Damage - Shrinks Neuronal Networks Wires Brain Toward Instinctual Survival & Fear Hyper Vigilant to Anticipated Threat Panic with Uncertainty, Change Prone to More & More Crisis Life Not Safe, Predictable, or Controllable Fragmented Sense of Self Behavior Problems = Solutions

Impact on School Performance Academic Performance Standardized Testing Math & Verbal Developmental Delays Language Delays Special Education Needs Repeated Grades Behavior Problems Bullying Absence & Truancy Removal & Exclusion

Trauma, Stress & Adverse Childhood Experiences, 3.4 million referrals nationally, for 6.3 million kids in % investigated, 17.7% substantiated (686,000) 75% neglect, 15% physical, 10% sexual, 10% emotional Birth to one - highest girls, 48.7% boys 44% - White, 21.8% - Hispanic, 21% - AA Impact & Cost *Child Welfare Information Gateway -2014

Nature Nurture Michelangelo Every block of stone has a sculpture inside of it, it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.

Biological & Symbiotic

Spheres of Development

Pruning

Asymmetry of the Teen Brain

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

Plasticity & Resilience The Compensating Brain Neuroplasticity Adaptability Trauma, Stress & Resiliency Neuronal Connectivity Health Creating Environments Relationships as Anchors

The Recipe Safety Dignity Compassion Respect for Individual Differences Brain & Body Health Nurturing Environments Readiness Relationships Praise Stimulation & Rest Curiosity Humor, Playfulness Prosthetics Lifespan Development