Understanding Disorders of the Brain

Now that you understand the anatomy of the brain, shift your attention to the field of neuropsychology, which is both an experimental field and a clinical field within psychology. In addition to discovering how brain functioning influences behavior and cognition, neuropsychologists work to assess and treat brain disorders.

Begin the first of several lessons that focus on brain disorders commonly diagnosed during childhood-beginning here with intellectual disabilities and Down syndrome. Professor Neargarder surveys the range of disabilities and then delves into potential genetic and environmental causes.

In this first lesson on autism spectrum disorders, you will study the symptoms that characterize autism, how autism is diagnosed, and some of the presumed causes and comorbidities. You will also reflect on Asperger's syndrome, which is no longer considered a stand-alone diagnosis.

Continue your exploration of autism by examining research on brain pathology, savant abilities, and treatment options. Revisit what you learned in the lesson on brain anatomy to see what parts of the brain play a role in autism. Then turn to behavior treatments and medications that support treatment.

Most of us have heard of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but what exactly is this disorder? How prevalent is it and how is it treated? Dive into the different types of ADHD and how it affects children, the environmental risk factors, and some challenges of diagnosis.

Take a closer look at a language-based learning disability known as developmental dyslexia, which affects about 5-10% of school-aged children. Although the various theories regarding dyslexia are inconclusive, Professor Neargarder offers an overview of causes. Consider what's going on inside the brain of someone with dyslexia.

In today's lesson, you will examine epilepsy, a disorder marked by seizures-an episode where groups of neurons in the brain fire simultaneously. After reviewing the different categories of epileptic seizures, as well as causes and treatments, you will walk through two case studies to see how epilepsy can affect people differently.

You may remember learning about the "mighty mitochondria" in biology. When these energy producers fail, it can lead to cell injuries and death-and debilitating effects for the person who is impacted. Here, find out about mitochondrial disorders, their symptoms and causes, and the relationship between mitochondrial disorders and the brain.

Shift your attention from genetic wiring to brain damage. In this first of two lessons on head injuries, Professor Neargarder discusses the common symptoms and pathology of head injuries, the categories of head injuries, and the neuropsychology of closed-head injuries such as concussions.