BRAIN-BASED CONCEPTS
VIDEO SERIES
This video series is not intended to diagnose or treat any health condition or diagnosis. While we sincerely hope that you see benefits from these videos, we do not promise any results.
Brain Based Concept 1:
Watch and Wonder
Understand that a life and brain in transition means a life and brain in increased stress. Lower demands and give space to have their feelings and deflections™. Watch and wonder about behaviors. Notice when they increase and decrease. What are they? Auditory? Movement? Take note of what you are seeing and then we will build our plan based on your observations.
Brain Based Concept 2:
WHEN do you see the deflections™?
Now that you know what deflections™ your child is exhibiting, now we need to determine when it gets better and when it gets worse. Once we have this information, this can help us later on.
Brain Based Concept 3:
When does it get better?
Before we increase the demand on our kids, we need to calm the brain. So now we know what deflections™ are being expressed and when you see them. Now we need to observe what helps them to decrease! Look for patterns and specific scenarios that help these behaviors improve.
Brain Based Action Step 1:
Building deflection™ breaks into your day!
Now that we’ve identified the primary deflection™ and what makes it worse and better, we need to build in breaks to do activities that we know will LOWER these deflective™ behaviors.
Brain Based Action Step 2:
Lower Demand
Let’s focus on how to create calmness and decrease anxiety. This is essential before introducing academics.
Brain Based Action Step 3:
The FOCUS Story™
Dr. Amy teaches how to use the developmental hierarchy of object/picture/symbol to increase prediction and decrease stress throughout your day. Even if your child was able to complete multi-step instructions before this stressful event, they likely are having a hard time following through and remembering each step at this point. It may be because they “aren’t there” neurologically RIGHT NOW. These tools will help you get back on track!
Brain Based Action Step 4:
Lower demand with CHOICE
When the demand on a person is higher than their ability, we see deflections (ie: stress, anxiety, behaviors, etc.) We can use specific tools to lower stress to better match ability, thus lowering stress!
Brain Based Action Step 5:
Take a FOCUS break™
Dr. Amy explains how to set up a FOCUS space to reduce stress when tension is getting high.
Brain Based Action Step 6:
It’s NOT a regression! All is NOT Lost!
Don’t think you’re stuck in a regression and now all that hard work was pointless. Seeing “pulling” in is normal at this point. Dr. Amy gives some practical guidance on how to navigate these difficult times.
Brain Based Action Step 7:
Quick tip I use at home with my daughter
My VERY special guest Meela shows you how we use this special box at home to calm our brains!
Brain Based Action Step 8:
A simple strategy to connect
Create a connection plan™ with each of your kids-3 ways to connect daily. Dr. Amy gives specific ideas on how to do this!
Brain Based Action Step 9:
Start the day with purpose & connection
This isn’t a simple To-Do list! It’s important to wake up with a sense of purpose. Set yourself up for success by doing this every night!
Brain Based Action Step 10:
Learning whole-to-part with image maps
If you’re struggling with e-learning you’ll definitely want to try this image map tool! Dr. Amy explains how to teach in a whole-to-part way, increasing retention and getting kids excited about learning!
Brain Based Action Step 11:
A special message for parents
Hey parents! We have a very special message for you… we think you’re doing great!!
Brain Based Action Step 12:
Transition Time!
Transitions can be hard for anyone! Dr. Amy talks about specific ways you can frame your transition into activities to make for an easier transition out.
Brain Based Action Step 13:
An Education Tool
Here’s a quick and easy one! How do your kids hold their pencil? Yep, this gives us a window into their brain development! Follow Dr. Amy’s easy steps to help set a strong foundation for future learning!
Brain Based Action Step 14:
Writing & The Alphabet
Now pay attention to HOW your child is writing letters or drawing pictures. Do the start at the end or the beginning?
Brain Based Action Step 15:
Reading comprehension activity
Struggling with reading comprehension or retention? Try this game!
Brain Based Action Step 16:
The reintroduction to socialization
Keep in mind the reintroduction to socialization may come with some challenges. As kids get back around their peers, they have to learn this “social dance” again. Now is a time to lower expectations, lower demand, and connect as they work through these challenges.
Brain Based Action Step 17:
Communication development in the age of corona
We live in a time where we might not have a lot of communication exposure outside of our immediate family. Masks and social distancing further inhibit our ability to read facial expressions and pick up on non-verbal social cues. Try these practical tips to encourage communication development.
Brain Based Action Step 18:
Chores-the brain-based approach
Are chores a struggle in your house? This is an area where you can notice a lot of deflective behaviors™. Try these tips to make chore time less stressful for the whole family!
Brain Based Action Step 19:
When increasing demand might be a problem…
When we have growth, we always have a little bit of pulling in. That’s typical and normal. But there are some things you should look for to know if now is maybe NOT the right time to be increasing demand.
Brain Based Action Step 8:
A simple strategy to connect
Create a connection plan™ with each of your kids-3 ways to connect daily. Dr. Amy gives specific ideas on how to do this!
Brain Based Action Step 9:
Start the day with purpose & connection
This isn’t a simple To-Do list! It’s important to wake up with a sense of purpose. Set yourself up for success by doing this every night!