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This presentation provides information about neurobiology and how our neurobiology underlies much of who we are. Topics include the limbic system, brain plasticity, the autonomic nervous system, and conditions associated with variations in individual neurobiology. The NEATS is a child and family assessment that directs attention to five areas of human development that research and experience has identified as fundamental. They are Neurobiology, Executive function, Attachment, Trauma, & Self-regulation
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The NEATS:Neurobiology
Jane F. Gilgun, Ph.D., LICSWSchool of Social Work
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities1404 Gortner Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108 [email protected]
http://www.cehd.umn.edu/ssw/people/profiles/GilgunJ.asp
Topics
Overview of NEATSDefinition of NeurobiologyBrain cells: NeuronsAnatomy of the Limbic SystemAutonomic Nervous SystemConditions associated with neurological issuesPractice implications
The NEATS
• Components• Neurobiology• Executive Function• Attachment• Trauma• Self Regulation
• Ecosystemic• Developmental
Influences on Child & FamilyFunctioning
Historical Forces,Culture, Values
Community Resources
Religious/Spiritual Institutions
Parents’ Work
School
Extended Family/Social Networks
Peer group
Family
Child
Socialhistory
Child & Family Ecomap
Mental Health
Public financial support
Religiousor SpiritualInstitutions
Parents’Work
Neighborhood
ExtendedFamily/Social
Networks
Recreation
School
Focal Child
Parent(s)/Carer(s)
Key++++ strong connection….. … weak connection///////// conflicted connection no connection
A Three-Generation Genogram
Neurobiology
Study of anatomy, 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
Neuron
•A nerve cell •Transmits information
• chemical forms• electrical forms• sometimes over long distances.
Anatomy of a Neuron
•Soma (or cell body)•Axon•Dendrite•Synapse
• Gap between two dendrites• Neurotransmission from one neuron• Receptors on the target neuronhttp://psychology.about.com/od/biopsychology/ss/
neuronanat_3.htm
The Limbic System
Frontal Lobe & Executive Functions
Planning and executing of movementsTwo main subdivisions• Motor cortex• Prefrontal cortex
Executive functionsWorking memoryHas connections to emotion and long-term memory structures and circuits
Emotion Circuit/Limbic System
Sensory inputThalamusAmygdalaHippocampusPrefrontal cortex Other structures as well
AmygdalaAlmond-shapedSite of emotional learningMatures very early in lifeReceives signals from the thalamus, whose information is relatively undifferentiatedAlso receives signals from the prefrontal cortex, whose information is highly differentiated Turns on all sorts of systems, including the autonomicStress does not harm amygdala
AmygdalaThe amygdala part of a system that prompts releases of adrenaline and other hormones into the blood stream.
• This may disrupt rational thought.
HippocampusA horseshoe shaped 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
Hippocampus
Creates memories including relationships between bits of information• Information is highly differentiated
and often fragmented
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
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
Child Conditions Relatedto Brain Functioning
ADHDChildhood
Depression Aggression IrritabilitySchizophreniaBipolar issues
Autism Spectrum DisordersFetal Alcohol Spectrum DisordersSensory Integration Issues
Child Conditions Relatedto Brain Functioning
Obsessive-Compulsive DisordersTourette’s Intellectual disabilitiesLearning issuesDwarfismDown’s syndrome
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
Differentiate
•Neurological Conditions from Effects of Trauma
Case Example, John, 7
Mother’s DescriptionsWalked at 10 months, running ever sinceConstant motion, crashes into thingsNever listens• Ask him to put his clothes in hamper• He plays on floor, clothes not in hamper
ObliviousTaught his 2 y.o. brother how to use matches
Case Example, John, 7
Teacher’s ViewsBlurts out in classFidgets, gets out of his chairForgets to bring home books he needs to do his homeworkDifficulty waiting his turn & following rulesOther kids think he is weird• Do not want to play with him
Case Example, Martha, 10
10th birthday• Fascinated by waitress’s hairQuiet and cooperative in school• DaydreamedForgets where she puts thingsCan’t made simple decisionsCan’t organize selfSobbed: What’s wrong with me?
Implications for Practice
structured environments clear expectations & simple directionspatient, under-reacting adults arrangement of play and leisure time with other children one-on-one time with adults Educational plansimportant for adults to set examples Parental support
Summary
Neuroscience important to work with children and familiesInteraction of genes and environment Plasticity of human brainMedication can sometimes slow down or speed up brain functions
