Learning disabilities, dyslexia, autism, Asperger\'s ADHD

1. Fall 2010 Training November 9, 2010 Bennett School Placement Worldwide Brains, Learning, Education & School Placement

2. Neuropsychological Framework Language-based Learning Disorder of the Dyslexic Type Genetics Planum temporale POAD Critical Window of Language Development Most common Learning Disability

3. Neuropsychological Framework Disorders of the Left-Hemisphere Dyslexia – Reading Decoding & Spelling Affects 20% of population Speech & language delays Double deficit hypothesis Phonological problems Orthographic processing problems Rapid Naming Speed (RAN)

4. Neuropsychological Framework Disorders of the Right-Hemisphere NLD & Asperger’s – Comprehension, motor skills, math & writing Increased prevalence Affects 1 out 50 children born today Early speech with delayed motor skills Reads & spells well/poor social skills Can’t interpret non-verbal cues Hits the wall at middle school

5. Neuropsychological Framework High-Functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorders (HFA) High Non-verbal/Low verbal Strong math & engineering skills Poor comprehension of language and social cues Stereotypic motor movements Robotic speech

6. Neuropsychological Framework Disorders of the Frontal Lobes ADHD – attention & executive functions First diagnosis for everything Hyperactive when young Hypoactive at puberty 6 variations by SPECT scan Deregulated arousal system Slow processing speeds

7. Neuropsychological Framework Disorders of the Motor Strip Sits behind the frontal lobes Dysgraphia Slow processing speeds Poor secretarial function 96% grades in USA come from written work Co-occurs with ADHD

8. Neuropsychological Framework Disorders of Cerebellar Region Orthographic details Visual-spatial Motor coordination Tumors & lesions Impaired perception of symbol directionality Is it sensory or is it brain based?

9. Neuropsychological Framework Generalized and diffuse disorders TBI Substance Abuse Concussions Falls Seizures Accidents & injuries Your brain is butter

10. Pinky& the Brain

11. Educational Interventions Disorders of the Left-Hemisphere Dyslexia – Identify early - kindergarten Provide explicit phonics instruction Teach structure of sound-symbol connections 120 minutes/school day language arts Speech therapy

12. Educational Interventions Disorders of the Right-Hemisphere NLD & Asperger’s – Comes to school reading/ comprehension is poor-pre-treat Referred for gifted Hyperlexia Little professor syndrome Poor social skills Circumscribed areas of interest

13. Educational Interventions Disorders of the Right-Hemisphere NLD & Asperger’s – Can’t interpret non-verbal social cues, such as gestures, slang expressions or figurative speech Needs explicit instruction First 3 years the best; then downhill Problems with higher-level synthesis

14. Educational Interventions High-Functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorders (HFA) Catch early; intensive ABA Social skills training Language therapy Good with hands-on learning & math Robotic speech White matter disease

15. Educational Interventions Disorders of the Frontal Lobes ADHD – Educational Needs External structure Everyone becomes “The Nag” Repetition, re-direction Writing problems Problems with reading comprehension Seat front & center

16. Educational Interventions Disorders of the Motor Strip Teach typing early Manual vs. Computer Problem with group classes High-tech solutions Co-Writer, Draft Builder Dragon Naturally Speaking Kurzweil 3000

17. Educational Interventions Disorders of Cerebellar Region Check vision Developmental Optometrists Neuro-Ophthalmologist Reversals Cursive vs. Printing Septo-optic dysplagia Neurologist

18. Educational Interventions Generalized and diffuse disorders Loss of STM Slowed processing speeds Earthquake on the superhighways Extended time Multi-modal presentation Fatigue & attention deficits Your brain is butter!!! Protect it!

19. Educational Placment Schools for dyslexic students Day vs. Boarding Schools for NLD/AS/HFA Is it motivation or is it brain based LD? Boot camp vs. remedial Therapeutic

20. Einstein Famous Brains 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.

21. Serial Killers 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.

22. Dyslexia Brain 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.

23. Guess Who?