Emotional & Behavioral Needs in Students November 8, 2011 LARRY SCOTT School Psychologist

Brain & Behavior Brain Plasticity Critical Periods: Birth to 5 & Puberty Environmental influences have great influence on brain development Challenge to change bad habits but not impossible Evidence that behavior modification, talk therapy (counseling), & medication can change brain chemistry/ functioning

Brain & Behavior Prefrontal Cortex- Executive Functioning Regulates attention/emotion, planning, organization, self-monitoring, and foreseeing/understanding consequences Students with attention and emotional needs, usually have poor executive functioning Children with a history of trauma & emotional neglect have dysfunction in prefrontal cortex Middle school

Brain & Behavior Negative emotions interfere with attention & decision making. Increases impulsive actions which may relieve emotional distress temporarily Any action that causes negative emotion in a student is more likely to increase defiance/resistance Studies: emotionally supportive, meaningful praise, affection, & sensitivity to needs – better self-regulation (opposite- poor self-regulation)

Brain & Behavior Early & long exposure to TV & video games impacts brain development- attention and impulse control Addiction to computer / video games show similar behaviors and brain functioning as other addictions