The Science behind Assembly

Neuroplasticity and the 6 dimensions

Our brains are constantly changing. Children’s brains are especially neuroplastic, which means they can develop and learn new skills easily. 

But the parts of the brain that help us understand other people’s actions and control our own reactions don’t fully develop until our 20s. That’s why many children have difficulties not only with managing their emotions and controlling their behaviour and impulses, but also with focusing on relevant information, setting goals and solving problems.

As neuroscientists learn more about how different brain networks function, modern diagnostic models are beginning to take into account that children can have functional difficulties across many dimensions; and that all the dimensions need to be addressed as part of a pattern, regardless of whether they pass a clinical threshold.

Early, targeted help without a diagnostic label

Many children don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for specific disorders but they still have needs. Sometimes this is because their dimensions develop slower or less compared to their peers due to genetic or environmental factors, causing functional difficulties at school or at home. We are all ‘wired differently’ to some extent but some children may be further along on a neurodevelopmental disorders spectrum.

Sometimes, children may get a diagnosis that doesn’t recognise their needs in other areas. As a result, parents and teachers are given advice that doesn’t deal with all of the child’s difficulties or how they affect one another. An overstretched system means a growing number of children haven’t had any kind of assessment or support. 

Parents as the main change agent

We understand every parent wants their child to reach their full potential. That’s why we offer a unique, integrated and needs-based approach, recognising the child’s needs to help make life easier. 

Parents are critical. Parents know their child best, and can observe them in the home environment where children typically don’t need to ‘mask’ or hide their difficulties. Parents are uniquely positioned to tailor the child’s environment, including their own responses, and to help children learn new skills in a familiar environment. There is a strong body of research on the importance of parental involvement in any behavioural or emotional intervention of a child.

We have designed Assembly to empower parents to help their child develop. This approach may be effective on its own but also complements traditional diagnostic assessments and interventions. As highly experienced clinicians, we have seen children develop across all of the interconnected dimensions, time and again. With the integrated needs-based approach that Assembly offers, we are confident that every child will be able to do so.

Emotional regulation & cooperation

What is it? This dimension is about a child's ability to manage their reactions, regulate their emotions when they are feeling frustrated or disappointed and comply with instructions and rules.

What does strength look like in this dimension? Children who are strong in this dimension still do get angry and frustrated, but are able to express this in a more regulated, calmer way.

What does struggling look like in this dimension? Most children (and even adults!) find this hard as emotional regulation depends on the development of the prefrontal cortex, which takes until early adulthood. Children who struggle with this dimension will have frequent meltdowns, a short temper, and have an uncooperative attitude.

Sensory management

What is it? This dimension is about a child's ability to tolerate and respond to external stimuli like noise and touch and their ability to cope when they get overstimulated.

What does strength look like in this dimension? Children for whom this dimension is a strength will not get overwhelmed by external stimuli, and will also tolerate transitions and tolerate critical feedback.

What does struggling look like in this dimension? Most children get overwhelmed by overstimulation but children who struggle with this dimension will be scared of loud noises, avoid crowded places and may not tolerate some textures or smells.

Social communication & language

What is it? This dimension describes a child's ability to communicate appropriately in different social settings, follow a conversation and their ability to express their thoughts and feelings using appropriate words, eye contact and tone.

What does strength look like in this dimension? Children who display a strength in this dimension will be comfortable keeping a dialogue going even in topics outside of their interest areas.

What does struggling look like in this dimension? Children who struggle with this may avoid conversations, may not understand the perspective of others or have meltdowns because they are unable to articulate their feelings.

Impulse control

What is it? This dimension is about the ability to apply the breaks before acting or reacting or thinking before doing something.

What does strength look like in this dimension? Children for whom this dimension is a strength will be patient, and can wait their turn.

What does struggling look like in this dimension? Children who struggle with this will tend to be particularly active, even in environments when this is inappropriate. They may also find it hard to wait for their turn in a game or a conversation, or talk excessively.

Attention & concentration

What is it? This dimension is about a child's ability to focus and pay attention to tasks, and follow through, even though they may not enjoy them. These tasks may include activities at nursery or school or play activities at home.

What does strength look like in this dimension? Children who are strong in this are able to sustain attention until completion of a task, without making too many careless mistakes.

What does struggling look like in this dimension? Children who struggle with this dimension will also be forgetful and lose their belongings, and tend to avoid activities they perceive to require too much mental effort.

Emotional well-being and agency

What is it? This dimension is about a child's current emotional well-being and confidence.

What does strength look like in this dimension? Children who are thriving in this dimension will be full of energy, no trouble with eating, sleeping or going to school.

What does struggling look like in this dimension? Children's emotions may manifest themselves physically so children who are struggling in this dimension may complain of aches, have trouble with sleep, or with their appetite over a month or longer. They may not want to do things and lack confidence.