Neuroscience Notes. Neurobiological development. Social Sciences

Neuroscience Notes
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Neuroscience Notes
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change as an individual undergoes various experiences in life (Healy, 2014). This principle applies to social work practice and is relevant because according to research on the subject, social conditions influence how the brain changes. Thus, it touches on different areas of social work such as child welfare, drug addiction, mental health and other aspects that require the involvement of a social worker. Neurobiological development entails the development of the brain and its importance has been emphasized in a child’s development, especially within their first three years after birth (Rutledge, 2014). Through neurobiology and neuroplasticity, social workers can understand how an individual’s social experiences have affected their behavior and in turn, can utilize effective strategies in treating or rehabilitating the individual to make them better.
As such, the application of neuroscience to child welfare and traumatic experiences may be some of the most important applications in social work practice. Understanding early childhood development through neurobiological development can be very beneficial to a social worker because it sheds light on the importance of positive caregiving. According to Rutledge (2014), having a responsive and consistent caregiver enables a child to be in control of their behavior and emotions. Such knowledge can help a social worker understand irrational and hyperactive behaviors in children, and can be at a better position to advise mothers and mothers-to-be on how to enhance their child’s neural development. Further, neuroscience provides social workers with information on how a traumatic experience affects an individual and how such individuals can be treated (Rutledge, 2014), giving them an opportunity to help victims.
Since neuroscience is concerned with the brain and ...