Brains, Learning, Education & School Placement

Fall 2010 TrainingNovember 9, 2010

Bennett School Placement Worldwide

Neuropsychological Framework

Language-based Learning Disorder of the Dyslexic Type

GeneticsPlanum temporalePOADCritical Window of Language Development

Most common Learning Disability

Neuropsychological Framework

Disorders of the Left-HemisphereDyslexia – Reading Decoding & Spelling

Affects 20% of populationSpeech & language delaysDouble deficit hypothesisPhonological problemsOrthographic processing problemsRapid Naming Speed (RAN)

Neuropsychological Framework

Disorders of the Right-HemisphereNLD & Asperger’s – Comprehension, motor skills, math & writing

Increased prevalenceAffects 1 out 50 children born todayEarly speech with delayed motor skillsReads & spells well/poor social skillsCan’t interpret non-verbal cuesHits the wall at middle school

Neuropsychological Framework

High-Functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorders (HFA)

High Non-verbal/Low verbalStrong math & engineering skillsPoor comprehension of language and social cues

Stereotypic motor movementsRobotic speech

Neuropsychological Framework

Disorders of the Frontal Lobes▪ADHD – attention & executive functions

First diagnosis for everythingHyperactive when youngHypoactive at puberty6 variations by SPECT scanDeregulated arousal systemSlow processing speeds

Neuropsychological Framework

Disorders of the Motor StripSits behind the frontal lobesDysgraphiaSlow processing speedsPoor secretarial function96% grades in USA come from written work

Co-occurs with ADHD

Neuropsychological Framework

Disorders of Cerebellar RegionOrthographic detailsVisual-spatialMotor coordinationTumors & lesions Impaired perception of symbol directionality

Is it sensory or is it brain based?

Neuropsychological Framework

Generalized and diffuse disorders

TBISubstance AbuseConcussionsFallsSeizuresAccidents & injuriesYour brain is butter

Pinky& the Brain

Parts of the Brain.mp4

Educational Interventions

Disorders of the Left-HemisphereDyslexia –

Identify early - kindergartenProvide explicit phonics instruction

Teach structure of sound-symbol connections

120 minutes/school day language arts

Speech therapy

Educational Interventions

Disorders of the Right-HemisphereNLD & Asperger’s –

Comes to school reading/ comprehension is poor-pre-treat

Referred for giftedHyperlexiaLittle professor syndromePoor social skillsCircumscribed areas of interest

Educational Interventions

Disorders of the Right-HemisphereNLD & Asperger’s –

Can’t interpret non-verbal social cues, such as gestures, slang expressions or figurative speech

Needs explicit instructionFirst 3 years the best; then downhillProblems with higher-level synthesis

Educational Interventions

High-Functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorders (HFA)

Catch early; intensive ABASocial skills trainingLanguage therapyGood with hands-on learning & math

Robotic speechWhite matter disease

Educational Interventions

Disorders of the Frontal LobesADHD – Educational Needs

External structureEveryone becomes “The Nag”Repetition, re-directionWriting problemsProblems with reading comprehension

Seat front & center

Educational Interventions

Disorders of the Motor StripTeach typing earlyManual vs. ComputerProblem with group classesHigh-tech solutionsCo-Writer, Draft BuilderDragon Naturally SpeakingKurzweil 3000

Educational Interventions

Disorders of Cerebellar RegionCheck visionDevelopmental OptometristsNeuro-OphthalmologistReversalsCursive vs. PrintingSepto-optic dysplagiaNeurologist

Educational Interventions

Generalized and diffuse disordersLoss of STMSlowed processing speedsEarthquake on the superhighwaysExtended timeMulti-modal presentationFatigue & attention deficitsYour brain is butter!!! Protect it!

Educational PlacmentSchools for dyslexic studentsDay vs. Boarding

Schools for NLD/AS/HFA

Is it motivation or is it brain based LD?

Boot camp vs. remedial

Therapeutic

Einstein

Einstein's brain has an unusual pattern of grooves in an area thought to be involved in mathematical skills.

It was also 15 percent wider than other brains of same age males, suggesting that the combined effect of differences may be better connections between nerve cells involved in mathematical abilities.

Famous Brains

Damage to areas like the frontal lobe, the hypothalamus and the limbic system can contribute to extreme aggression, loss of control, loss of judgment and violence.

Henry Lee Lucas, who was convicted of 11 murders, was shown to have extreme brain damage in these areas, probably the result of childhood abuse, malnutrition and alcoholism

Arthur Shawcross, another 11-time serial killer, was found to have had several brain injuries, including two skull fractures. While in prison, he suffered from headaches and often blacked out.

Serial Killers

Dyslexia results from a neurological difference; that is, a brain difference.

People with dyslexia have a larger right-hemisphere in their brains than those of normal readers.

That may be one reason people with dyslexia often have significant strengths in areas controlled by the right-side of the brain, such as:

Artistic, athletic, and mechanical gifts; 3-D visualization ability; musical talent; creative problem solving skills; and intuitive people skills.

Dyslexia Brain

Guess Who?