Presented by UCLA Wellbeing for LA Learning Center
Instructor: Natalie Saragosa-Harris, PhD
Decades of research shows that adolescence–approximately ages 10 to 25–is a period of remarkable opportunity. The cognitive, physical, and psychological changes that take place during these years help adolescents learn from their environments, experiences, and relationships in ways that can profoundly shape their trajectories and prepare them to succeed in adulthood. Insights from developmental science can help determine where to focus support in order to promote healthy development for all adolescents. In this Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (STAR) Seminar, Dr. Natalie Saragosa-Harris will give an overview of research on adolescent brain development, highlighting the role of context and experience. Drawing from this research, Dr. Saragosa-Harris will share practical insights for how individuals who work with adolescents can provide support for the key developmental needs of this stage and, in doing so, can promote healthy development for all adolescents, including those who have experienced earlier adversity.
Learning objectives
Describe brain plasticity and what this means for how experiences shape adolescent development
Identify and define the 7 key developmental needs of adolescence
Describe why adolescence introduces a developmental window of opportunity for mitigating the effects of earlier adversity
Apply the key development needs concepts to their work serving and supporting adolescents

CE Hours: 1