Transcript Document
Psychology 304:
Brain and Behaviour
Lecture 25
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Neurodevelopmental Disorders
1. What neurodevelopmental disorders have been
identified? (continued)
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By the end of today’s class, you should be able to:
1. describe the causes and symptoms of disorders
associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Autism: Mirror Neuron Activity
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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.
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William Syndrome: Cortical Volume
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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.
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William Syndrome: Physical Characteristics
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William Syndrome: Physical Characteristics
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Neurodevelopmental Disorders
1. What neurodevelopmental disorders have been
identified? (continued)
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