NEUROPLASTICITY AND PEDIATRIC BRAIN INJURY A REASON FOR HOPE Richard O Temple PhD Licensed Clinical Psychologist Clinical Neuropsychology Email inforichtemplephdcom Web wwwrichtemplephdcom ID: 765035
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "NEUROPLASTICITY: AND PEDIATRIC BRAIN INJ..." is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
NEUROPLASTICITY:AND PEDIATRIC BRAIN INJURY:A REASON FOR HOPE Richard O. Temple, Ph.D.Licensed Clinical PsychologistClinical NeuropsychologyEmail: info@richtemplephd.comWeb: www.richtemplephd.com
OLD THINKING ABOUT THE BRAIN The brain stops growing and changing after a very early ageWe are born with “traits” that are unchangeableInjuries to the brain are permanent “The brain is not a muscle”
A Reason for Hope
The inherent ability of the brain to change in response to experiences“One of the most extraordinary discoveries of the twentieth century”Norman Doidge, Canadian Psychiatrist, author of “ The Brain That Changes Itself” and “The Brain’s Way of Healing” NEUROPLASTICITY
EVIDENCE OF NEUROPLASTICITYLondon Cab DriversEcholocation Training Meditating Buddhist Monks
A naturally occurring process“Our brain is always changing”Positive neuroplasticityLearning a new skill ImaginationNew experiencesIntensity and repetitionMeditation and trait changes NEUROPLASTICITY
Negative neuroplasticityNot practicing a skill Constraining thoughts or experiencesExamples of negative neuroplasticityLearned disusePain NEUROPLASTICITY
The Mind as a Black Box…
The Future of Rehabilitation
Inside The Black BoxOver 100 BILLION brain cells involved in information processing30,000-60,000 brain cells in a piece of brain the size of a grain of salt Each brain cell can have upwards of 20,000 connections with other brain cellsAmple raw material for neuroplasticity!
What we are trying to achieve:New brain areas responding to activityImproved connections between brain areas (white matter integrity) A more efficient brain that interconnects and transmits messages more efficiently NEUROPLASTICITY
NEUROPLASTICITY IN THE PEDIATRIC BRAIN Pediatric brain is thought to be more plasticStill developingChallenge of latent abilitiesDeficits emerging later in lifeYounger children may not be able to understand some information as well as adultsMotivation
Intensity and repetition“building bridges”Get comfortable with small, consistent changesMaking it automatic and efficient Errorless learningUnderstand that neural changes precede behavioral changes NEUROPLASTICITY:Active Ingredients
Variety and NoveltyMake yourself uncomfortable!New thinking and experiences create new connectionsIncreased intensity creates new connections, or strengthens existing connections NEUROPLASTICITY: Active Ingredients
MotivationIt is hard work!Children may not be intrinsically motivatedRewards and reinforcement Minimize or eliminatepunishment NEUROPLASTICITY:Active Ingredients
Behavioral ChangeCreating a routine conducive to neuroplasticityScheduleMeaningful ActivityPerils of the “resting state” Create an environment conducive to repetition, challenge, and new learning NEUROPLASTICENVIRONMENT
SleepNutritionExercise PEDIATRIC BRAIN HEALTH
INNOVATIVE THERAPIESSoftware Programs BiofeedbackNeurofeedbackTrans-cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)Stem Cell TherapyMeditation / Mindfulness
The InternetCan be used for good or evil Mind-numbing passive viewing like TVAccumulation of knowledge and idea generator
Fight negative neuroplasticityDevelop a positive neuroplastic routine IntensityNoveltyGood sleep, nutrition, and exerciseProvide motivation and hopeStay current with the latest developments NEUROPLASTICITYGAME PLAN
Thank You