Adolescent Brain Development

Dr. Giedd uses MRI scans to look into the development of the teen

brain. It is clear that there is a growth spurt within the frontal

cortex Just before puberty. This part of the brain is responsible for

behavior, planning, and cognitive flexibility. The flurry of growth

and thickening of gray matter here can produce behavioral results

that seem erratic or dangerous.

The brain must then "use it or lose it." New neurological pathways

that are not used are pruned away as the more heavily used

connections strengthen.

It is our task to reinforce the library connections within the brains

of the teens we serve so that they mature into life long library

users.

Frontline: Adolescent Brain - 7:10 min. segment                              Blue represents gray matter maturation from age 5-20