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The NEATS: Neurobiology
The document discusses the neurobiology of children, emphasizing the interaction between genetics and environment in shaping brain development and functioning. It highlights key brain structures such as the limbic system, amygdala, and hippocampus, which play crucial roles in emotion, memory, and behavior, as well as the implications for practice in addressing neurological conditions in children. It provides case examples illustrating the complexities of behavioral issues in children and emphasizes the importance of structured support in their development.
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The NEATS: Neurobiology
- 1. The NEATS: Neurobiology Jane F. Gilgun, Ph.D., LICSW School of Social Work University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 1404 Gortner Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 USA [email protected] http://www.cehd.umn.edu/ssw/people/profiles/GilgunJ.asp
- 2. Topics Overview ofNEATS Definition of Neurobiology Brain cells: Neurons Anatomy of the Limbic System Autonomic Nervous System Conditions associated with neurological issues Practice implications
- 3. The NEATS •Components • Neurobiology • Executive Function • Attachment • Trauma • Self Regulation • Ecosystemic •Developmental
- 4. Influences on Child& Family Functioning Child Family Peer group Extended Family/Social Networks School Parents’ Work Religious/Spiritual Institutions Community Resources Historical Forces, Culture, Values Social history
- 5. Child & FamilyEcomap Mental Health Public financial support Parent(s)/Carer (s) Religious or Spiritual Institutions Recreatio Parents’ Work Extended Family/So cial Networks Neighborho od n School Focal Child Key ++++ strong connection ….. … weak connection ///////// conflicted connection no connection
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- 7. Neurobiology Study ofanatomy, physiology, and development of the nervous system that arise through interactions of genes and environments or nature and nurture Reciprocal relationships: Shapes how we think, feel, and behave & how we think feel, and behave shapes brain circuits
- 8. Neuron •A nervecell • Transmits information • chemical forms • electrical forms • sometimes over long distances.
- 9. Anatomy of aNeuron •Soma (or cell body) •Axon •Dendrite •Synapse • Gap between two dendrites • Neurotransmission from one neuron • Receptors on the target neuron http://psychology.about.com/od/biopsychology/ss/neur onanat_3.htm
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- 11. Frontal Lobe &Executive Functions Planning and executing of movements Two main subdivisions •Motor cortex • Prefrontal cortex Executive functions Working memory Has connections to emotion and long-term memory structures and circuits
- 12. Emotion Circuit/Limbic System Sensory input Thalamus Amygdala Hippocampus Prefrontal cortex Other structures as well
- 13. Amygdala Almond-shaped Siteof emotional learning Matures very early in life Receives signals from the thalamus, whose information is relatively undifferentiated Also receives signals from the prefrontal cortex, whose information is highly differentiated Turns on all sorts of systems, including the autonomic Stress does not harm amygdala
- 14. Amygdala The amygdalapart of a system that prompts releases of adrenaline and other hormones into the blood stream. • This may disrupt rational thought.
- 15. Hippocampus A horseshoeshaped region of the Subcortica lpart of the brain Has roles in emotion and memory Has a very high density of receptor cells for cortisol which is a hormone secreted in response to stress Cortisol can change the shape of the nerve cells in the hippocampus and even kill them
- 16. Hippocampus Creates memoriesincluding relationships between bits of information • Information is highly differentiated and often fragmented
- 17. Autonomous Nervous System • Automatic • Usual Understandings of the ANS • Newer Understandings • Outside of our Awareness • “Shadow Self” • Freud’s Subconscious • Internalizations of Interpretations of Experiences
- 18. Brain Plasticity •Experience shapes the brain • Sensitive Periods • Continually forming new connections • Life long • One neuron can have countless dendrites that connect to other dendrites • Learning and memory •May be some neurogensis • Ceiling effects
- 19. Child Conditions Related to Brain Functioning ADHD Childhood Depression Aggression Irritability Schizophrenia Bipolar issues Autism Spectrum Disorders Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Sensory Integration Issues
- 20. Child Conditions Related to Brain Functioning Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Tourette’s Intellectual disabilities Learning issues Dwarfism Down’s syndrome
- 21. Implications for Practice • Neurological evaluations • Complete medical and social histories • Provide Structure for Children tasks broken down into simple steps calm environments care providers who under-react and who have strong support systems
- 22. Differentiate •Neurological Conditionsfrom Effects of Trauma
- 23. Case Example, John,7 Mother’s Descriptions Walked at 10 months, running ever since Constant motion, crashes into things Never listens • Ask him to put his clothes in hamper • He plays on floor, clothes not in hamper Oblivious Taught his 2 y.o. brother how to use matches
- 24. Case Example, John,7 Teacher’s Views Blurts out in class Fidgets, gets out of his chair Forgets to bring home books he needs to do his homework Difficulty waiting his turn & following rules Other kids think he is weird • Do not want to play with him
- 25. Case Example, Martha,10 10th birthday • Fascinated by waitress’s hair Quiet and cooperative in school • Daydreamed Forgets where she puts things Can’t made simple decisions Can’t organize self Sobbed: What’s wrong with me?
- 26. Implications for Practice structured environments clear expectations & simple directions patient, under-reacting adults arrangement of play and leisure time with other children one-on-one time with adults Educational plans important for adults to set examples Parental support
- 27. Summary Neuroscience importantto work with children and families Interaction of genes and environment Plasticity of human brain Medication can sometimes slow down or speed up brain functions