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Psychology 304: Brain and Behaviour Lecture 25. Neurodevelopmental Disorders. 1. What neurodevelopmental disorders have been identified? (continued). By the end of today’s class, you should be able to:.
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Neurodevelopmental Disorders 1. What neurodevelopmental disorders have been identified? (continued)
By the end of today’s class, you should be able to: 1. describe the causes and symptoms of disorders associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
What neurodevelopmental disorders have been identified? (continued) 5. Autism • Occurs as a result of a neurodevelopmental error between 20 and 24 days after conception. Precise error is unknown. • Caused by abnormalities in the gene Hoxa 1 in some, but not all, cases and/or exposure to neurotoxins.
Associated with abnormal brain development: shortened brain stem, underdeveloped and missing nuclei within the brain stem, abnormal frontal lobes, reduced mirror neuron activity, smaller corpus callosum and amygdala.
Accompanied by three core symptoms: 1. reduced capacity for social interaction. 2. reduced capacity for communication. 3. preoccupation with a single subject or activity.Typically, perseveration is observed. In some cases, mental retardation and/or savant abilities are observed.
6. Williams syndrome • Occurs when a region of genes on chromosome 7 fails to replicate and, therefore, is missing. Caused by errors in cell division. • Among the genes that are missing on chromosome 7 is a gene that controls the production of elastin, a protein that contributes to elasticity in internal organs and tissues. • Associated with abnormal brain development: characteristic patterns of atypical cortical volume.
Accompanied by mental retardation, impaired spatial cognition, hypersociability, abnormalities in internal organs, and altered facial and body features. • Although individuals with Williams syndrome display language deficits, their language skills are remarkable given their relatively low IQ. Often, great musical abilities are observed.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders 1. What neurodevelopmental disorders have been identified? (continued)