THE ADOLESCENT BRAIN UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

This presentation will explore what has been learned about the brain development and how environment and experience play a key role in this development. Risk taking, novelty seeking and drive for rewards are going to be explained as typical and normal behaviours in adolescents. However, this is a time of extreme vulnerability and with it a heightened risk for the development of mental health disorders. We will also explore how social media and other stressors may be contributing to the apparent increase in anxiety being reported by young people. 

Adolescence is the period of transition child to young adult, specifically 8-20 years of age.

Are you a parent?
We recommend this workshop for parents with kids 6-16 years to know what to expect and how to support your child as they transition through the 3 stages of adolescence. 

Are you a professional who work with parents & children?
This workshop is geared towards professionals with who work with parents & children of all ages and especially significant for those working with children ages 6 years of age and older. 

About Dr. Jean Clinton

Jean M Clinton BMus MD FRCP(C)  
Clinical Professor McMaster University 
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences 

Dr. Jean Clinton is a Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural  Neurosciences at McMaster, division of Child Psychiatry. She is on staff at McMaster  Children’s Hospital with cross appointments in Pediatrics and Family Medicine, and an  Associate in the Department of Child Psychiatry at Sick Children’s Hospital. She is a Fellow  of the Child Trauma Academy, as well as a Zero to Three Academy Fellow since 2013. She  has been a consultant to children and youth mental health programs, child welfare, and  primary care for over 30 years. Dr. Clinton was appointed as an education advisor to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Education 2014 - 2018. 

Dr. Clinton is renowned nationally and internationally as an advocate for children’s issues.  Her special interest lies in brain development, and the crucial role relationships and  connectedness play. Jean champions the development of a national, comprehensive child  well-being strategy including a system of early learning and care for all young children and  their families. She is equally committed to ensuring that children’s and youths’ needs and  voices are heard and respected. 

Dr. Clinton has also authored her first book, Love Builds Brains which can be ordered online  through Tall Pines Press, on Amazon and in book stores everywhere.