Gwen Wild – 2-Day Neuro-Based Self-Regulation Toolbox For Children and Adolescents

Outline

Neurological DevelopmentNeurological Development

• Latest research on neurological differences associated with: Latest research on neurological differences associated with:
  • Motor skills, sensory processing, language development, self-regulation and learningMotor skills, sensory processing, language development, self-regulation and learning
• Hindrances to typical brain developmentHindrances to typical brain development
• Structural brain differences and neurochemistry in common diagnoses and symptomsStructural brain differences and neurochemistry in common diagnoses and symptoms
• A bottoms-up model for brain-based interventionA bottoms-up model for brain-based intervention
• Video labs and hands-on brain modelsVideo labs and hands-on brain models

Assessment of Neurological Functioning Assessment of Neurological Functioning

• SPD vs ADHDSPD vs ADHD
• Sensory vs behaviorSensory vs behavior
• Behavior disordersBehavior disorders
• Standardized assessment toolsStandardized assessment tools
• Behavior analysisBehavior analysis
• Easily accessible checklists and questionnairesEasily accessible checklists and questionnaires

Build a Strong Neurological Foundation Build a Strong Neurological Foundation

• Sensory-motor activities to build strong neural connections between key brain regionsSensory-motor activities to build strong neural connections between key brain regions
• Strengthen the insular cortex to improve emotional awarenessStrengthen the insular cortex to improve emotional awareness
• Strategies to stimulate the vagal nerve to power up the parasympathetic nervous systemStrategies to stimulate the vagal nerve to power up the parasympathetic nervous system
• Integrate primitive reflexes to enhance posture, motor control, and emotional responsesIntegrate primitive reflexes to enhance posture, motor control, and emotional responses
• Case Study: Case Study: 16-year-old boy with HFA, SPD and EF challenges16-year-old boy with HFA, SPD and EF challenges
• Lab: Lab: 1) Acupoint tapping; 2) Vagal stimulation activity 1) Acupoint tapping; 2) Vagal stimulation activity

Using Neuroplasticity to Repair/Rebuild Affected Brain Structures Using Neuroplasticity to Repair/Rebuild Affected Brain Structures

• Restore balance between the frontal cortex and the amygdala to decrease sensory sensitivities, anxiety and aggressionRestore balance between the frontal cortex and the amygdala to decrease sensory sensitivities, anxiety and aggression
• Auditory stimulation to facilitate a calm and focused stateAuditory stimulation to facilitate a calm and focused state
• Yoga and mindfulness strategies to reduce an overactive fight-or-flight responseYoga and mindfulness strategies to reduce an overactive fight-or-flight response
• Proprioceptive, vestibular and tactile input to regulate emotional responses, reduce self-stimming, self-injury and anxietyProprioceptive, vestibular and tactile input to regulate emotional responses, reduce self-stimming, self-injury and anxiety
• Lab: Lab: 1) Joint compressions 2) Rhythmic movements1) Joint compressions 2) Rhythmic movements

Neurochemistry’s Impact on Behavior, Emotions, Motor Skills and Learning Neurochemistry’s Impact on Behavior, Emotions, Motor Skills and Learning

• Primary role of major neurotransmittersPrimary role of major neurotransmitters
• Signs and symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalanceSigns and symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalance
• Correlation between neurotransmitters, sensory processing and emotionsCorrelation between neurotransmitters, sensory processing and emotions
• Evidence-based strategies for neurotransmitter deficits/excessesEvidence-based strategies for neurotransmitter deficits/excesses
• Case Study: Case Study: 12-year-old girl, trauma history, extreme tactile sensitivities, atypical social behaviors 12-year-old girl, trauma history, extreme tactile sensitivities, atypical social behaviors
• Lab: Lab: Change your own neurochemistry now! Change your own neurochemistry now!

Targeting Higher Level Brain Centers Targeting Higher Level Brain Centers

• CBT to identify triggers and manage emotionsCBT to identify triggers and manage emotions
• Behavior mapping to improve self-awarenessBehavior mapping to improve self-awareness
• Social stories and video modeling to target mirror neurons and teach appropriate responsesSocial stories and video modeling to target mirror neurons and teach appropriate responses
• Programs to improve social skills and manage physiological response to conflict and stressPrograms to improve social skills and manage physiological response to conflict and stress
• Token economy to address self-regulationToken economy to address self-regulation
• Case Study: Case Study: 6-year-old boy, off-task and fidgety behaviors 6-year-old boy, off-task and fidgety behaviors
• Lab: Lab: 1) binaural beats to impact brain waves 2) Mindfulness activity to balance neurotransmitters 1) binaural beats to impact brain waves 2) Mindfulness activity to balance neurotransmitters

The Role of Medication The Role of Medication

• Perspectives on medicationPerspectives on medication
• Commonly prescribed medications for childhood diagnosesCommonly prescribed medications for childhood diagnoses
• Supplements to considerSupplements to consider
• Case Study: Case Study: 11-year-old boy, difficulty with attention, differentiating symptoms of ADHD vs. SPD11-year-old boy, difficulty with attention, differentiating symptoms of ADHD vs. SPD

Brain Health Brain Health

• Nutrients for neurotransmitter productionNutrients for neurotransmitter production
• Sleep hygieneSleep hygiene
• NatureNature
• Physical HealthPhysical Health
• Use of electronics and video gamesUse of electronics and video games
• Case Study: Case Study: 21-year-old with autism, severe sleep disorder, obesity21-year-old with autism, severe sleep disorder, obesity

Clinical Considerations Clinical Considerations

• Goal-writingGoal-writing
• Data-trackingData-tracking
• Limitations of research and potential risksLimitations of research and potential risks