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Spark: Adolescent Brain Development

Explore how adolescent brain development impacts interactions between youth and adults. 

By the end of this Spark, participants will be able to state primary attributes of adolescent brain development, identify the ways that these attributes impact interactions between adults and youth in a clinical setting, and identify personal biases in adolescent care and interaction. T

here are two versions of this Spark – one for health centers and one for non-clinical youth-serving organizations.
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For Medical Health Centers
Presentation Slides

Explore what research tells us about adolescent brain development, and how that plays out in a clinical setting.

Script

This Spark explores how adolescent brain development impacts interactions between youth and adults.

Activity Handout

Adolescent Brain Development: Prefrontal cortex (controls cause/effect, self-regulation) is still developing and limbic system (emotions & reward center) is highly active.

Sparklers

Developmental Characteristics: Teens are highly influenced by their peer group, and might seek their approval.

For Youth Serving Organizations
Presentation Slides

Explore what research tells us about adolescent brain development, and how that plays out in our work with youth.

Script

This Spark explores how adolescent brain development impacts interactions between youth and adults.

Activity Handout

Primary Characteristics: Decision-making, judgment, and complete understanding of cause and effect not fully developed. Thrill-seeking and novelty-seeking -- trying new things

Sparklers

Developmental Characteristics: Teens are highly influenced by their peer group, and might seek their approval.