Duncan Astle

Duncan Astle, a neuroscientist and professor at the University of Cambridge, dives into brain development and connectivity. He discusses a study revealing four turning points in brain maturation, suggesting that full adulthood may not be reached until around 32. Duncan explains the growth in brain connectivity during childhood and the ongoing myelination up to age 32, which enhances efficiency. He also links prolonged brain development to adolescent impulsivity, providing valuable insights for parents on adapting to their children’s evolving needs.

Duncan Astle, Professor of Neuroinformatics at Cambridge who studies childhood development and attention, joins to talk about how attention works. He explains top-down vs bottom-up selection and why schools reveal individual differences. He discusses ADHD as an extreme of a continuum, whether tech distracts or rewires, and practical steps like removing phones and shaping environments to boost focus.

Duncan Astle, Professor of Neuroinformatics at Cambridge who studies attention and ADHD, joins to explore focus, attention in classrooms, and how curiosity drives learning. He discusses ADHD as a behavioral label, lifespan changes, strengths like hyperfocus, medication limits, and practical non-drug supports. The conversation also covers evolutionary views and classroom strategies to help attention.