Left, Right or Both? Brain Development Explained
February 27, 2019December 4, 2020
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Left, Right or Both? Brain Development Explained

As occupational therapists and parents, brain development in early childhood fascinates us. Watching children interact with others, their environment, processes and playtime teaches us more than any textbook ever could. Will they grow to be a logical, results-driven adult (left-brained) or will they become a creative, intuitive thinker; one who is more interested in the journey rather than the facts of life? (right-brained) It’s not for us to determine the answer but rather foster an environment that allows children to explore their abilities without the fear of failure.

Vince Gowman, author of Healing for a New World, shares his knowledge of brain development in THIS incredible article. At AZ+A, we stress that early moments matter and Mr. Gowman‘s information about the stages of brain development proves just how true that is.

“These wise little teachers remind us, courtesy of their right brain, that life is about enjoying the little things, about enchantment and surprise; it’s about being present with another, offering them your gentle ear, hearing between the lines, not just what is being said, which is what logic grasps. With the help of the right brain we touch the hidden places in our heart and in the hearts of others, those secret dimensions that give meaning to life.”
Gaining a better understanding of cognitive development offers insight into the overall health and wellness of children. It allows celebration of growth milestones and helps to identify social or emotional development red flags. Working with children with neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and sensory processing disorder, we know the positive impact early intervention can make in child’s life. Right or left-brain, all children need adults who encourage initiative, applaud creativity and promote self-regulation and confidence. For a deeper dive into the differences and similarities of the two hemispheres that rule us all, we recommend THIS episode of NPR’s Hidden Brain podcast.
“What distinguishes hemispheres is not what they do, but how they do the same things differently… each of the hemispheres does the same thing with a different spirit.”