Well done on reaching the final summary, throughout the modules, we have learned that:
- The way our brains develop is affected by the environment around us.
- In particular, that negative early experiences which create psychological and physical distress, can make it more difficult for our brain to develop it’s most complex skills.
- This is because the connections in the most basic parts of our brain, the parts programmed for survival, become the strongest and fastest, in order to survive.
- Which allows less opportunity to develop strong connections in the most complex parts of our brain, where all our highest skills are managed.
- This is especially likely when negative experiences are repeated or occur over a long amount of time, which is a common experience for children who are taken into care.
The most complex skills in our brain are collectively known as Executive Function, which combines to regulate our individual skills and help us interact with our world.
This umbrella term includes five main areas :
When our executive function is not working correctly we find it difficult to plan out our activities, manage our time, control our emotions and solve problems. This can seem like the person is being deliberately difficult or has a low IQ, which are both inaccurate assumptions.
However we can use particular strategies such as planning, breaking up information, and using social supports, to improve our Executive Function, and we can improve our ability to use Executive Function at any age.
CONGRATULATIONS!
This course is now complete, we hope you will find the information useful and relevant in your professional role.