Brain Differences

Brain Differences

Lots of people have brains that are good at certain jobs, and find other jobs harder. We are developing resources to help young people and their families understand more about how their brain works. For example, understanding words, memory, thinking quickly, making plans, and solving problems. To do this we've created 10 characters, each of whom do a different job in the brain. 
This is a resource we are still developing. Below you can find 10 one-page information sheets. Each one describes a different character and their job in the brain, what you might notice if your brain finds that job tricky, and what you and others can do to help. The first side is aimed at young people in high school, and the other side is aimed at those supporting a young person of any age. 
We are hoping to make more resources using these characters, including some animations. We hope this will make them more accessible, and easier for younger children to understand. However, we need your feedback to help us improve these leaflets, and the resources we hope to make based on them.  
If you have any feedback on our leaflets, an idea for a name, or resources you'd like to see, please tell us at: forms.office.com/e/T657mhyQgR 

Meet The Builder:

The builder helps you make pictures in your mind. They can imagine how shapes, spaces and pieces
fit together, or how they would look if you moved them. The builder helps you with puzzles, building
things, drawing, and finding your way to places. They also help you make sense of numbers and
sizes. For example, working out how big something is, or how much of it there is.

For further information please click here 

 

About The Detective:

The Detective is your brain’s problem-solver. They look for clues, sport patterns and work things out
– even when no one has told them the rules! The Detective helps you figure out what might happen
next, or why something happened. They can find ways to fix a problem, even when there’s no clear
answer. They’re great at noticing when a new problem is a bit like something you’ve seen or done
before, and using that to help you solve this problem. The Detective helps you “think outside the
box” - finding clever answers that other people might not see.

For further information please click here

 

About the Guide:
The guide helps you get organised, figure out what needs to be done, and take the first step. They
help you think ahead, work out the best order to do things, and keep track of where you’re up to.
They are also great at noticing when a plan isn’t working – and coming up with a new one. That
means being flexible, changing what you’re doing, or trying a different way when things don’t go to
plan. The guide doesn’t do the thinking for you – they just help you use your thinking in a clear and
organised way. They are the brain’s to-do list, timekeeper and coach all rolled into one

For further information please click here

 

About The Helper:
The helper holds thoughts and ideas in your head. They're like a clipboard that keeps all your notes
safe while you are using them. They remember details so you don’t forget what you are doing. They
help you follow steps, like when you’re baking a cake or building Lego. They keep numbers in your
head so you can do maths without writing it down. They let you picture things in your mind, like a
story or a football game. They also hold the question in your head while you think of the answer.
Your helper doesn’t solve problems themselves – they just keep the important stuff ready so the
other characters have what they need.

For further information please click here

About the Librarian:
The Librarian helps you remember things you’ve seen, heard, or learned before. When something
important happens, they store it safely so you can find it later. They keep all kinds of memories:
facts, ideas, picture in your heads, and moments from your life. When you need to remember
something, the Librarian go to look for it. They flip through their “memory files” try to find the right
one. Sometimes the file is missing some bits. Sometimes the file is there, but it’s hard to find. But
your Librarian is always working hard to help you remember the things that matter most.

For further information please click here

 

About The Referee:
The Referee helps you stop, start and control what you say and do. They watch what is going on in
your brain and lets the right actions through – and blows the whistle when you need to pause. They
help you wait your turn, stops you from interrupting. They remind you to think before you act. When
your Referee is doing a good job, you’re the boss of your actions – not just doing the first thing that
pops into your head. He’s not there to spoil your fun. He’s there to help you play fair, stay safe, and
make choices you’ll feel proud of.

For further information please click here

 

About The Runner:
The runner is super speedy, and helps your brain work fast. Imagine someone zooming about with
messages, helping all the other bits of your brain talk to each other. That’s the Runner’s job! They’re
kind of like a delivery person in a big city. The runner doesn’t decide what needs to be done, but
they make sure it gets done faster!

For further information please click here

 

About the Spy:
The Spy is the boss of your attention. They decide what is important to notice, and what you can
ignore. They keep an eye on what you can see, hear, feel and think, and help you stay on track. If
something needs your attention, they help you switch to it. When the Spy is doing a good job, all
other parts of your brain can work better. That is because they are getting the right information at
the right time.

For further information please click here

 

About The Storyteller
The Storyteller in your brain is great at talking and listening. They listen carefully to what people say,
and work out what those words really mean. They also share news with other people in ways they
can understand. Your Storyteller helps you follow what’s happening in a story, a lesson, or a
conversation. They also help you explain your own ideas clearly. They make sure your ideas make
sense, and are easy for everyone to understand.

For further information please click here

 

About the Therapy Dog:
The Therapy Dog is your brain’s helper for your feelings. When things feel wobbly, too big, or a bit
too much, they help you feel safe. They can tell when big feelings like worry, anger or sadness are
starting. When that happens, they let you know, they try to comfort you, and help you to feel ok.
They help you to pause before you react, take a deep breath when you’re upset, and bounce back
when something goes wrong. The Therapy Dog doesn’t stop you having feelings (feelings are
important!). But they do help you feel them in a safe way – like a gentle friend walking beside you.
They always remind you: you’re not alone.

For further information please click here