“Neurotransmitters are chemical-like substances that travel between nerve cells across a synapse and determine whether a nerve signal keeps going or halts. Levels of two of these neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, decrease during adolescence. The decrease in dopamine results in… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“When it comes to smarts, adolescents like Jesse have plenty. What they lack, however, are some of the brain-based skills that we all need… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“frontal brain systems, and therefore executive skills, will require approximately 25 years to develop fully. Given these factors, children and adolescents cannot rely solely… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“To highlight these issues of development in the adolescent brain, a recent article in Parade magazine compared the teenage brain to a Ferrari. It… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“While motivation can play a significant role in teens’ behavior, it’s important to recognize that some behaviors reflect a skill weakness rather than a… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“For teenagers who struggle with these skills, more trouble lies ahead as the tasks in life become more complicated and more demanding of their… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“A related but more complex aspect of working memory gives us the ability to draw on past learning or experience and apply it to… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“Two Dimensions of Executive Skills: Thinking and Doing Executive skills involving thinking (cognition) Working memory Planning/prioritization Organization Time management Metacognition Executive skills involving doing… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“Over a period of 10 to 12 years, beginning around puberty, the plasticity of the adolescent brain allows for rewiring. What the final wiring… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“To evaluate weaknesses in your teen, be aware of his capacity to engage in effortful (and nonpreferred) mental tasks. If he is bright and… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“Your teen is probably trying—and trying hard—to do everything his or her peers are expected to do as they mature and face increasing responsibilities.… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“While all executive skills are important, when it comes to teenagers, parents are likely to be particularly aware of the impact of specific skills.… — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
“Working memory involves two different but related skills. The first is the ability to hold information in mind while performing complex tasks.” — Richard Guare Copy Share Image
