UNDERSTANDING NEUROBIOLOGY

THE BRAIN & THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

The primary function of the brain is to integrate, and process sensory data to enable an individual to successfully adapt to and survive in their environment. (ACF 2021)

To be able to effectively work with people who have experienced trauma in their early lives, it is important to understanding the normative brain development so as to recognize and distinguish what happens to their development when they are impacted by trauma. Making this distinction helps us find targeted strategies and interventions to help repair the impact people have suffered.

To achieve a healthy brain development, a number of factors we need to have repeated positive experiences, have positive interpersonal relationships, live in a safe environment and of course the genes we get from our parents are a standard part of it. (ACF 2021)

 All incoming sensory input first enters the lower parts of the brain and is then processed and analyzed by the higher parts of the brain.

  • Sub-cortical – parts of the brain that are underneath the cortex, their functioning is that they happen sub-consciously

  • Cortical – parts of the brain that form the cortex (or neo-cortex), includes the pre-frontal cortex. These parts of the brain function with conscious awareness.

    Key principles of neurodevelopment

These principles provide foundational guidance making assessments and tailoring therapeutic interventions of children who have experienced trauma.

Here are the principles of neurodevelopment:

  1. The brain is organized and develops, in a hierarchical sequence and is connected to the body.

  2. Neurons and neural systems are designed to develop and change in a use- dependent function. The more we use a connection the stronger it becomes.

  3. The brain develops most rapidly early in life. Therefore childhood is a critical period of brain development.

  4. The brain is at its most plastic in early childhood. In childhood, the brain is most vulnerable to harm, but also has the greatest potential for healing. This is why it is important to also support children from an early age to heal and recover from difficult experiences.

  5. Neural systems can be changed, but some systems are easier to change than others. This is the concept of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity gives us hope.

  6. The human brain develops best in connection with other human brains. Hence, relationships and connections are critical to development for all of us. Relational connections are key for our survival as infants, children and adults. The quality of early relational interactions shapes a child's brain development.

SEQUENTIAL & LATERAL BRAIN DEVELOPMENT