Page 3 - The Changing Chances Strength Based Approach to Control Centre Skills (Executive Function Skills) MASTER 2020
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Why Do Some People Find Thinking Skills Hard?
There are three different reasons someone might have problems with some of
their Control Centre Thinking Skills:
1. A different brain map:
Scientists believe that some people just have different neural circuitry (the pathways we talked
about earlier) in their brain.
They may be great at some things, like sports, art,
looking after others or building things.
They may find other things at school hard, such as writing,
listening for a long time or staying focused on one thing.
It’s just like other parts of the human body – some people
have different eyesight and need glasses, some people don’t.
Just like someone wearing glasses, when someone has problems with Thinking Skills, they need
things to help. This report will give some ideas of what could help you in areas you find tricky.
2. Not having the right experiences to grow brain pathways:
New pathways are built in children’s brains when adults
spend time with them talking, listening, reading stories,
visiting new places and enjoying activities such as jigsaw
puzzles, painting, games and sports.
Some children do not get the help they need to build the
pathways in their Control Centre. But it’s never too late!
If you practise these skills now, you can build new pathways.
3. Bad experiences:
Experiences which make a person feel scared or really upset
can stop Thinking Skills from building properly in their brains.
When young people spend too long feeling worried or upset,
it can mean the brain pathways don’t build so well.
Can people improve their Control Centre Thinking Skills?
Yes! The more we practise, the stronger and quicker the
pathways for Thinking Skills become.
This means that if someone finds it hard to focus their attention, remember what they have
been told or stay in control when they have big feelings, they will improve and find it easier
if they have help and practice regularly.
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