Discussion 1: Behavior and the Brain

Brain development in childhood is influenced by a variety of factors including genetics, environment, and life experiences.  As we learned in the Week 1 Behavior Risk Factors Case Study discussion, there is an interplay of these factors that can greatly influence a child’s behavior and behavioral functioning across contexts (school, home, community).  The connection between brain development and behavior is a significant part of truly understanding the whole child. In this discussion we will begin to understand and evaluate the connection between a child’s brain development and their behavior.   

The brain is considered to be plastic – not literally, but figurately. This means that the brain is adaptable and flexible in that it can change over time, forming new connections, depending on life experiences. It is important to really understand this concept and how to relates to brain development in children. This term is called neuroplasticity.

To read more about brain plasticity click hereLinks to an external site..

HereLinks to an external site. is another great article on brain development and behavior plasticity in the developing brain that will assist you in this week’s discussions and assignment.

Please use the checklist and tips below as a guide to ensure you have included each and every portion of the discussion prompt in your post. 

In your initial Post:

• Describe how early experiences (genetic, social, emotional, physical) influence brain development
  • Instructor Tip: How do early experiences impact the developing brain? Try and describe one factor from each category.
• Explain how understanding the effects of stress on brain development helps you realize the impact of the behavioral risk factors we discussed in Week 1
  • Instructor Tip: Think about how the brain develops. How does stress influence the brain? How does that then impact behavioral output?
• Discuss how understanding brain development will help you to support children who display challenging behavior
  • Instructor Tip: Why is this important to know? Should those working with children be required to take a brain development course? Why?