The Hidden Spring explores the ground-breaking work of neuro-biologist Mark Solms as it applies to all those of all ages with PMLD, CLD and SLD. Neurobiology is the branch of biology studying the structure, development, function, and pathology of the nervous system, focusing on how neurons, glia, and circuits form the brain and regulate behaviour. Solms’ unique take is to marry the science of the brain with his knowledge of psychiatry and psychoanalysis to explore what he regards as seven central ‘biological drives’ that all human beings naturally and constantly, seek to balance. These seven biological drives, LUST, SEEKING, RAGE, FEAR, PANIC/GRIEF, CARE and PLAY are common to all humans and explain much of the psychological problems that affect us when balance is not (or in the case of those with learning disabilities) cannot be achieved.
Affective needs produce affective sensations,
‘Affects are how we become aware of our drives; they tell us how well or badly things are going in relation to the specific needs they measure. This is what affects are for: they convey which biological things are going well or badly for us, they arouse us to do something about them.’ (Solms, 2021, p98, original emphasis).
The webinar explores how the seven drives affect behaviour, especially when those with learning disabilities are not enabled (or more commonly, not allowed) to seek their own balance.
