Module 2 Understanding the Science of Brain Development

Transcription

1 September 2013 Module 2 Understanding the Science of Brain Development Participants will: Module 2 Learning Objectives Understand the impact of the prenatal period on the developing brain including the risk factors of poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol, drugs, stress, maternal depression and violence Understand the interplay between the prenatal and postnatal periods and how the two interconnect to impact the infant s development. Understand the impact of the postnatal period on the developing brain including concepts of synapse development, plasticity, brain architecture and pruning Understand the importance of buffering relationships in alleviating toxic stress Identify what the keys are to healthy, early development 1

2 Brain development The brain is not fully formed at birth There are sensitive periods of development Plasticity is the capacity to change and grow The brain develops from relationships and experiences Enriched environments enhance growth while abuse, neglect and impoverished environments diminish it 1.Brain Development Starts Prenatally Video:Ten Things Every Child Needs to Know- Robert McCormick Tribune Foundation (minute 1:47-4:30) 2

3 2. Prenatal influences on brain development The fetus is impacted by everything a pregnant woman encounters in her daily life The air she breathes, the food and drink she consumes and the emotions she feels Alcohol during pregnancy can impair brain development There is no known amount of alcohol that is safe to drink during pregnancy Pregnant? Don t drink. Period. - American Academy of Pediatrics Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects (RE9310): Policy Statement. May, 1993, p American Academy of Pediatrics. Emotional Experiences Matter Pregnant women impacted by the World Trade Center attacks on 9/11 who had PTSD from the event gave birth to babies with an elevated stress response and a hypersensitive stress axis. These babies will be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and even PTSD than those whose mothers did not experience PTSD. Trans-generational Transmission the handing down of a susceptibility from parent to child. 3

4 Cumulative Vocabulary (Words) 6/12/ Brains are Built Over Time Sensory Pathways (Vision, Hearing) Language Higher Cognitive Function FIRST YEAR Birth (Months) (Years) Source: C.A. Nelson (2000) p?cid=428 Graph courtesy of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2012). Environments Influence Plastic Brains College Educated Parents Working Class Parents Welfare Parents mos. 24 mos. 36 mos. Child s Age (Months) Sources: Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children. Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley. Brookes Publishing, 1995 (4th printing, January 2003) 4. What influences brain development? 4

5 Baby s Brain Exquisitely dependent on relationships and experiences to thrive. 13 Experiences Build Brain Architecture Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Interaction Shapes Brain Circuitry (90 seconds) Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. 5

6 Toxic Stress Derails Healthy Development (90 seconds) Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. Keys to healthy development A balanced approach to emotional, social, cognitive and language development starting in the earliest years of life Supportive relationships and positive learning experiences that begin with parents but are strengthened by others outside the home Highly specialized interventions as early as possible for children and families experiencing significant adversity Source: Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2011). Summary of brain development Starts prenatally and is influenced by nutrition, stress, smoking, poverty, alcohol, etc. Experiences in the womb may contribute to later susceptibility to a variety of health and development issues. Environmental influences can change DNA and influence future generations. The brain is not fully formed at birth. There are sensitive periods of development. Plasticity is the capacity to change and develop. The brain develops from relationships and experiences. Enriched environments enhance growth while abuse, neglect and impoverished environments diminish it. 6

7 Activity With a partner or in a small group of 3-4, read the following scenario ( Carly ) and discuss the following issues: 1) What prenatal factors may have influenced Carly s development? 2) What postnatal factors may have influenced Carly s development? 3) In spite of early challenges, what does Carly most need right now to support healthy development? 4) What would you most want a caseworker newly assigned to Carly to know about her history thus far? 7