BEING PARTIALLY MATURE
It takes three decades for the brain to fully develop.
Remember, myelinated parts of the brain send message faster, so they dominate decision making.
Myelination happens in a specific order:
- From the bottom to the top.
- From the inside to the edges.
- This is why the limbic system develops before the prefrontal cortex.
- Limbic system = in middle of the brain.
- Prefrontal cortex = all the way out at the edge, beneath the forehead.
Image source: Beacon House Therapeutic Services & Trauma Team
If you have an extra 2 minutes, watch this video on NPR about teen decision making.
