THE DEVELOPING BRAIN

The last decade could rightfully be called the ‘decade of the brain’ as advances in medical and neuroscience have deepened our understanding of brain development and cognitive functioning, more than any other period before. Much of the public discussion has related to new knowledge of infant’s brains, however, just as many amazing are discoveries have been made relating to brain development and functioning from childhood right through to late adolescence.

These findings often contradict many of the long-held practices that helping professionals, teachers and parents have viewed as best practice. The result is that there is now a large gap between how people ‘think’ the developing brain functions and what neuroscience research has actually shown to be the case. An understanding of this knowledge and its practical application will help to guide your practice to better meet the behavioural, developmental and educational needs of the children, adolescents and families you work with.

You will learn:

• How a child’s brain works and matures including the different parts of the brain such as the frontal cortex, the influence of plasticity, and the reptilian brain.
• What the research has shown about the ideal physical, emotional, educational and social conditions under which the developing brain functions at its best.
• What are the implications of this knowledge for professional practice and parenting with children and adolescents? What approaches and interventions work best from a neuroscience perspective and how to turn an outburst, argument or fear into a chance to integrate a child’s brain and foster vital social and emotional development.
• From a neuroscience perspective, what are the common pitfalls parents, teachers, and helping professionals make when working with young people and which of our current approaches have been shown to be less helpful then we thought.
• Practice considerations when working with children and adolescents who have experienced early life trauma which may have impacted upon their early brain development.

This is an invaluable workshop for professionals working with children, young people and families looking to reinvigorate their practice and enhance their understanding of clients’ needs. Full of “aha!” moments, this workshop focuses on different discoveries in neuroscience, explains them in plain English and provides guidance on how to put this knowledge to practical use in the classroom, therapy room and home, with recommendations backed by evidence from neuroscience for optimum social and emotional well-being. Nathan’s vast knowledge in this area, combined with his interactive and engaging teaching style and thoughtful use of case study material has made him one of Compass’s most requested speakers.

Nathan Wallis is an Educational Psychologist with a practice background in teaching, counselling and child therapy. He is a  sought after trainer in the area of neuroscience research and its implications for practice. He has appeared on television and radio as a guest expert on parenting, teaching and the understanding the developing brain of young people.