In our upcoming webinar Dr Martha will expand on the role of the brain in learing and dyslexia.

I'm excited to share the key points from Chapter 8 of "Cognitive and Communicative Interventions by Martha Burns," which explores how therapy can transform our brains. Here are eight essential takeaways:

Get the full chapter 8 from the book here

1. Our Adaptable Brain: The human brain is a remarkable organ that can change and reorganise itself in response to experiences and challenges.

2. The Goal of Therapy: The primary aim of therapy is to tap into the brain's adaptability, known as neuroplasticity, to help individuals with cognitive and communication difficulties.

3. The Three Levels of Change: Neuroplasticity operates at three levels: the whole brain, connections between different brain areas, and even at the cellular and sub-cellular level within neurons and synapses.

4. Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Plasticity: Changes in the brain can be adaptive, leading to improvements in function, or maladaptive, causing negative consequences.

5. Adult Brain Changes: Even in adults, experiences can reshape the brain's structure and function. Learning and memory involve structural changes in synaptic connections.

6. Task Selection: Selecting the right therapy tasks is crucial. They should be based on strong scientific evidence and tailored to the individual's needs, age, and impairment.

7. Timing and Intensity: The timing of therapy, its frequency, and its intensity all play a significant role in its effectiveness. The dose of therapy must be balanced to the individual's abilities.

8. Motivation and Attention: Motivation and maintaining attention are vital for successful therapy. Clinicians use various strategies to keep clients engaged, as a bored or distracted client won't benefit as much from therapy.

Understanding these key points is a great start to comprehending how therapy can transform our brains and improve our students and children's cognitive and communication abilities.

If you have any more questions or want to discuss this further, please feel free to get in touch.

Register for our webinar click here.

Best wishes,

John,