The Science of Assembly

Neuroplasticity and the 6 dimensions

Our brains are constantly changing. Children’s brains are especially neuroplastic, which means they can develop and learn new skills easily. 

But the parts of the brain that help us understand other people’s actions and control our own reactions don’t fully develop until our 20s. That’s why many children have difficulties not only with managing their emotions and controlling their behaviour and impulses, but also with focusing on relevant information, setting goals and solving problems.

As neuroscientists learn more about how different brain networks function, modern diagnostic models are beginning to take into account that children can have functional difficulties across many dimensions; and that all the dimensions need to be addressed as part of a pattern, regardless of whether they pass a clinical threshold.

Early, targeted help without a diagnostic label

Many children don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for specific disorders but they still have needs. Sometimes this is because their dimensions develop slower or less compared to their peers due to genetic or environmental factors, causing functional difficulties at school or at home. We are all ‘wired differently’ to some extent but some children may be further along on a neurodevelopmental disorders spectrum.