Have you ever heard the saying, “neurons that fire together wire together?” The sayingrelates to the concept of neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change throughout life. It describes how our

experiences can reorganize neural pathways in the brain. When we learn new things or

memorize new information we’ve created changes in the structure of our brain. In short:

The brain is adaptable and constantly changing over time. Even as you read this page,

it's changing and forming new connections!

This is the brain’s ability to move functions (or the work/role) ofa damaged area of the brain to another, undamaged area(s).

FUNCTIONALNEUROPLASTICITY

THE DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS OF NEUROPLASTICITY

This is the brain’s ability to change its physicalstructure, often from learning.

STRUCTURALNEUROPLASTICITY

What I s Neuroplast ic i ty?

There are two types of brain plasticity:

Age and environment—while it’s true that

neuroplasticity occurs allthroughout our lives, certain

types of changes tend tohappen at specific ages.

Neuroplasticity isongoing—and it canresult from learning,experience, memory

formation, or fromdamage to the brain.

Brain plasticity haslimitations. If one area of the

brain is damaged, anotherpart can step in to help. But, itmight not be as capable as thenow-damaged area once was.

Body coordination

Sensory integration

Attention, focus and concentration

Emotional regulation and grounding

The Focus System is a fun, interactive multisensory

program that uses music and movement to maximize

brain and body function and help kids and adults be their

best selves. Regular use of the program may improve:

A great tool for Educators, Occupational Therapists and

professionals who practice Play Therapy, the Focus

System provides the regulation children need to facilitate

the brain’s ability to develop new neural connections and

strengthen existing connections.

Exerc is ing Your Neuroplast ic i ty

Learning a new languageExploring new placesCreating artReadingPlaying an instrument

Things like rest and exercise are known to improve overall brain function, includingneuroplasticity. When we enrich our environment, we can also strengthen our brain’splasticity—particularly in childhood and adolescence. When a learning environmentoffers a lot of enrichment and opportunity for focused attention, it provides thematuring brain with rewards that you’ll see all the way through adulthood. Activities that boost neuroplasticity include:

NEUROPLASTICITY AND THE FOCUS SYSTEM

Based on the concept ofneuroplasticity—the factthat we can change ourbrain, essentially re-wiringit through specific andrepeated stimulation—the Focus System aims to buildneurological pathways andenhance synaptic activity.

To learn more about how the Focus System supports growth and development in both

children and adults, and promotes neuroplasticity, visit us at integratedlistening.comor book a meeting at integratedlistening.com/book.