11/30/2018 0 Comments More than "Just being Shy"For our last post (for now), I wanted to talk about a disorder that is unlike other ones that we have covered. This disorder is known as Selective Mutism, unlike in the past the child is able to speak and comprehend but remains silent in certain situations. What is selective mutism?Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder that is seen when a child has difficulty communicating in unfamiliar settings. Basically, children with this disorder have a phobia of speaking outside of their household. The degree of mutism depends on the child. For example, some children may be able to engage in communication at home and at a family friend's house but will not speak at school. With Selective Mutism, the verbal component of expression is not only affected but so is the nonverbal component. This results in isolation of the child in social settings. signsSome signs of Selective Mutism include:
What causes it?The cause of Selective Mutism is typically associated with family history. Since this disorder occurs at a young age, individuals that develop it normally have a parent or family member that suffers or suffered from anxiety. This makes a child more vulnerable to inheriting anxious tendencies. the brain & Selective mutismUnlike disorders addressed previously, Selective Mutism occurs due to a neurotransmitter deficiency. Since, Selective Mutism is anxiety driven it is correlated to the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Those with Selctive Mutism have a serotonin deficiency that impacts the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Serotonin is a key component to managing one's mood and balancing stress. The lack or depletion of it is often linked to depression and anxiety. More on Selective Mutism...takeaway 🎈Selective Mustism is a childhood anxiety disorder, where an individual is too self-conscious to engage in communication. This lack of socialization can result in isolation and an even greater fear to interact both verbally and non-verbally. Selective Mutism is seen in children whose parents have an anxiety related condition. It is also neurologically caused by a deficiency of the neurotransmitter serotonin. links
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11/23/2018 0 Comments Dysarthriawhat is dysarthria?Dysarthria is the weakness of the facial muscles including the lips, tongue, and throat. Weakness can also occur in the respiratory system, which can impact the production of speech. This condition is considered to be a motor speech disorder and can be accompanied with other speech and language disorders. signsAn individual with dysarthria may exhibit the following symptoms:
What causes it?Dysarthria arises due to brain damage, which can be acquired or congenital; acquired means developed later on in life, while congenital means to be born with the it. Some specific causes include:
The brain & dysarthriaDysarthria occurs as a result of damage within the brain. However, certain areas of the brain control muscles that assist in forming spoken language. These parts of the brain that are responsible for muscle movement and are typically impaired in those with dysarthria include:
takeaway 🎈Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that results because of weak muscles, primarily in the face, that affect oral production. Some signs of an individual with dysarthria include slow or fast speech, slurred speech, robotic speech, breathy speech, etc. Brain damage such as stroke, tumors, and other brain injuries can cause dysarthria in an individual. Since dysarthria affects muscle movements in the face, areas in the brain including the cerebellum, basal ganglia, brainstem, nerve fibers, and neuromuscular juntion are often damaged in those diagnosed with the condition. Links11/16/2018 0 Comments Developmental Language Disorderwhat is dld?DLD stands for Developmental Language Disorder, however it used to be referred to as SLI, Specific Language Impairment. Someone diagnosed with DLD means that they have prominent and consistent difficulties in expressive and/or receptive language. This disorder is often accompanied by other disorders such as ADHD and dyslexia. signsSome symptoms of those with DLD include:
What causes it?There is no known cause of DLD. This makes it a difficult disorder to understand. what family members can doThere are a lot of misconceptions about DLD, as well as uncovered information. However, parents and those in contact with individuals struggling with DLD can support the diagnosed individual by implementing a few of these ideas.
More information on dld...Since DLD is typically hard to understand, I have provided a video that may add additional insight on this condition. takeaway 🎈DLD is categorized by difficulty with expressive and/or receptive language. Other disorders normally come with DLD. Signs of DLD include lack of expression, underdeveloped language, word finding difficulties, struggles during recall, along with other factors. Overall, DLD depends on the person, but caregivers of those with DLD can demonstrate patience and other nonverbal tools to improve the quality of life in one with DLD. links11/11/2018 0 Comments pay attentionWhat is adhd?ADHD is the abbreviated form of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Those with this mental disorder, experience a lack of attention and higher rates of impulsive actions. According to information released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2013, about 11% of individuals between the ages of 4 to 17 have had ADHD. However, males are about three times more likely to acquire ADHD than females. signsWhen ADHD is diagnosed it is categorized as one of three types: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combination. Inattentive Types:
Can include both signs from inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types. An individual may demonstrate more symptoms from one type than the other. What Causes it?The cause of ADHD has yet to be pinpointed. However, some studies show that genetics, premature birth, brain injury, and mother’s consumption and use of tobacco while pregnant can contribute to a higher probability of developing ADHD. However, contrary to popular belief, ADHD is NOT caused by the extreme consumption sugar or excessive watching of television. The brain & AdhdSome studies support the idea that neurotransmitters and nerve pathways in the brain of those with ADHD do not behave the same way as neural networks in undiagnosed individuals. Additionally, certain areas of the brain have been shown to have lower activity than a typical developed brain due to the differences in neurotransmitter functions. The areas of a brain that this affects in an person with ADHD include:
take away 🎈ADHD is three times more common in the males than females. The cause is said to be linked to genetics, issues during fetal development or labor, and brain injury. ADHD can be identified as inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combination. ADHD is a mental disorder and is thought to be a result of atypical functions of neurotransmitters, which impacts the frontal cortex, limbic system, basal ganglia, and reticular activating system. links11/2/2018 0 Comments down syndromeAt my school, we actually have a program called Best Buddies, which is an organization that works to better the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I have gotten the chance to see many individuals involved in the program. A lot of the Best Buddies community show signs of diagnosis of Down syndrome, prompting this week's disorder. What is down syndrome?Down syndrome is the most common genetic chromosomal disorder, and it is caused by a chromosome mutation. This happens when atypical cell division occurs on chromosome 21. This disorder ranges in severity and is linked to both intellectual and developmental deficits. signsSome common symptoms include:
What causes it?The average human cell is made up of 23 chromosomes, half come from one’s mother and the other half come from the father. Down syndrome occurs when there is a mutation during cell division, specifically involving chromosome 21, which results in an extra full or partial chromosome 21. Different variations of this can occur including:
the brain & Down SyndromeThose with Down syndrome usually develop at a slower rate physically and also struggle intellectually. Research found that chromosome 21 interferes with learning and memory areas of the brain in those with Down syndrome. This was specifically seen in the hippocampus of the brain, which is a key area for memory storage and learning. Learning language and basic tasks strongly relies on recalling them. If the main area that stores memories in the brain is compromised, then learning for an individual can be very difficult and frustrating. take away 🎈Down syndrome is the most common genetic chromosome related disorder and is caused when chromosome 21 does not form typically. Some signs of Down syndrome generally involve a slower development of physical features as well as slower learning. Although Down syndrome is a disorder due to chromosome mutation, an atypical formation linked to chromosome 21 is shown to inhibit the hippocampus. This can cause individuals with Down syndrome to struggle with memory as well as learning. links10/26/2018 0 Comments Falling on the spectrumRecently, I have been watching a Netflix series called “Atypical.” The show is centered around a boy with autism and focuses on his interactions with family, friends, and the world around him. The episodes depict behaviors that an individual on the spectrum may exhibit. Essentially, this coming of age feature gave inspiration for today’s disorder. What is autism?Autism, also referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental disability that expands over a broad range of people. signsSome early signs of ASD include:
What Causes it?There is not a set cause for autism. However, autism can be traced to genetic and environmental influences. These factors do not necessarily imply that a child will develop autism, but they heighten the risk of the disorder. The following characteristics will generally make one more susceptible to developing autism: Genetics
The following can decrease the risk of autism:
These factors only highlight what can increase or decrease risks of individuals to develop ASD. the brain & AutismAlthough like many other disorders, autism does not have a specific cause, the brain of individuals with ASD differs slightly than a typical brain. In 2014, research on brain tissue showed that individuals with autism had an amplitude of synapses within the brain. Synapses are connections in the brain that bridge gaps between nerve cells and allow impulses to be transmitted along neural pathways. What the excess in synapses tells us is that synaptic pruning in autistic brains did not occur as effectively. Synaptic pruning is the elimination of synapses that are not used. In a newborn’s brain, an overload of synaptic connections are formed between stimuli. However, not all of these connections are regularly used, which leads to the pruning and cleaning of extra synapses. Additionally, in this study from Columbia University Medical Center, researchers found some correlation to the inefficient pruning. The brain cells of individuals with autism contained damaged fragments and did not have enough components that are linked to autophagy. Autophagy is the self breakdown and elimination of one’s body tissue; this is linked to the synaptic pruning. takeaway 🎈Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disability that can occur from infancy to adulthood. Some early signs are linked to a disinterest in socialization and the formation of relationships. Additionally, some factors linked to genetics and environment can increase or decrease an individual’s risk of developing autism. The biology of the brain of an individual with ASD goes through less synaptic pruning than a typical developing brain, which results in more neural synapses than usual. links10/19/2018 0 Comments not an easy readSo far, we’ve explored speech disorders that deal with expressive components of language. This week, I wanted to change that pattern and focus on a well-known specific-language disorder, dyslexia. What is dyslexia?This is one kind of language-learning disorder that causes difficulty in reading, interpretation, or understanding symbols. The International Dyslexia Association offers the following definition of dyslexia: ""Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge." Dyslexia is most often associated with a person’s poor ability to read, however, it interferes with more than just reading. Everyday activities can become more difficult for someone with dyslexia because of how frequent words are used in one’s day to day life. Although dyslexia affects how language is processed, it does not inhibit an individual’s overall intelligence and cognition. Dyslexia falls on a continuum, where patients range from low functioning to high functioning. This neurobiological disorder is more common than any other type of learning disorder, with 5-10% of Americans exhibiting symptoms. SignsWhat Causes It?The cause of dyslexia varies on the different types. These types include:
Take Away 🎈Dyslexia is a very broad language disorder and can be narrowed down into more specific types including primary, secondary/developmental, trauma, visual, auditory, and dysgraphia. Each individual with dyslexia experiences it in a different degree. Dyslexia is not limited to poor reading but affects day to day life . Some signs to look out for include frustration in reading, difficulty spelling, trouble pronouncing, and low self esteem. Dyslexia is very common in the American population, and although it affects the language of an individual, it does not affect their overall intelligence level. Links10/12/2018 0 Comments apraxia of speechLast week we talked about stuttering and learned that it is a speech disorder. In continuation, Apraxia of Speech, also known as AOS, is a problem that inhibits messages during production from the brain to the mouth. What is Apraxia of speech?Apraxia of Speech is when an individual knows what they want to say but is unable to generate their intended message. AOS can be seen in two main forms:
signs & symptomsSome signs of AOS include:
what causes it?Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder, which means that intent is present but proper placement and planning of articulators is inhibited. This inhibition occurs somewhere during the expressive part of language and can sometimes be linked to brain trauma or genetics. The exact cause is unclear but previous knowledge on expressive language may give us a hint to the area in the brain that is affected, the Broca’s area in the left hemisphere. However, this is only speculation, apraxia of speech is said to develop from multiple factors and can very from person to person. take away 🎈Apraxia of speech can be acquired, arise later in life, or developmental, occur from birth. This disorder results from an inexact cause, but it causes an interruption between the brain and the mouth. This makes the disorder a motor planning disorder, since the individual knows what they want to say but the placement and articulation of their speech does not match up with their intent. It is very important to realize that this disorder occurs because or motor difficulties and not the weakness of muscles or inability to process information. links10/4/2018 0 Comments diD I stutter?I wanted to start this week with stuttering. This is familiar to all of us, whether are nerves take over onstage or we lose our train of thought. However, stuttering can take over a person's life, causing it to go from a common error to a speech disorder. What is Stuttering?Stuttering is a speech disorder that interrupts the flow of speech, causing disfluencies. However, stuttering can occur without being deemed as a disorder depending on the disfluencies and the frequency at which the stammers occur. Stuttering can be very sporadic, where a person can go from fluent speech one day, to stuttering significantly more the next day. The frequency of stuttering can depend on emotions, environment, and many other factors. Signs & symptomsSince everyone stutters, how can you differentiate between “typical speech” and “atypical speech?” Some disfluencies are linked to normal speech, while other disfluencies are often signs of stuttering. Typical Disfluencies:
What causes it?Stuttering will typical surface between ages two and six years old. During this time, children may also go through times of disfluency; but if stuttering persists after six months, you may want to find treatment. There is not a set cause of where stuttering comes from but some potential factors that may make someone higher at risk include:
The Brain & StutteringPeople who stutter tend to use more of their right brain instead of their left brain for language. As discussed in previous posts, the left brain is the more dominant half for language and speech. However, those with stuttering have different connections along the left motor cortical and sensory regions of the brain. Additionally, the white matter in the left hemisphere of the brain in stuttering adults is said to decrease around the sensorimotor cortex, and brain volume on the right side is said to increase. This idea implies that the brain is rewiring itself by using its right side to compensate for its left. Another study that supports the idea that the right hemisphere of the stuttering brain is required for language was introduced by Martin Sommer. Essentially, fluent speakers and disfluent speakers were asked to tap their fingers in time with clicks that were played through headphones. First, the researchers stimulated the left side of the brain for both groups and found that the fluent group’s tapping became off, while the disfluent group remained unaffected. They then switched the stimulation to the right hemisphere of the brain where the fluent talkers tapped accordingly, while the disfluent taps became off. This study further illustrates the point that the brain in those who stutter is wired differently than fluent speakers, making it hard for those who stutter to convey their thoughts eloquently. Why therapy?If a child of someone you know shows signs of stuttering, especially at a young age, seeking out help can make huge impacts in that person’s life. Factors support the trend toward early intervention for children who show early signs of stuttering. These factors include that a wait and see attitude is more risky than the cost of treatment, recovery rates with treatment routinely exceed the rate of spontaneous recovery, and waiting to initiate treatment for the child who stutters is associated with more time in treatment. Take away 🎈Stuttering is a speech disorder that causes disfluencies. There are certain disfluencies that are linked to normal speech and other disfluencies that may be signs of early stuttering. More research has been found that the brain of a stuttering adult tends to use the right hemisphere for speech as oppose to the left hemisphere. This can cause those who stutter to know exactly what they want to say but struggle to get the words out. Early intervention is shown to be less risky later in life and should be considered if a child persistently stutters. links9/30/2018 0 Comments I Don't quite comprehend...The idea of localization that was introduced by Paul Broca continued to be debated and analyzed by neuroscientists. New ideas that left and right hemispheres of the brain were more dominant in certain functions became more accepted with additional support from Carl Wernicke’s work. Wernicke's areaLOCATION The Wernicke’s area is located on the left hemisphere of the brain. Just like the Broca’s area, it is located on the left hemisphere of the brain, which plays a major role in the production and interpretation of language. This area encompasses the Sylvian fissure, which is a diagonal chasm that borders the parietal and temporal lobes. THE STORY In 1874, just over a decade after Broca, Carl Wernicke also shared Broca’s idea of localization. This belief was furthered by one of Wernicke's patients who had endured a stroke. His patient was able to engage in speech and showed no sign of auditory impairments. However, his language comprehension was lacking. He was unable to recognize written or verbal speech. After the death of his patient, Wernicke explored the deceased’s brain, finding a lesion at the junction on the posterior of the temporal and parietal lobes. From this discovery, Wernicke linked the lesion to the man’s poor comprehension, calling the impairment “sensory aphasia.” FUNCTION The Wernicke’s area is in charge of language comprehension. It plays a major role in semantics, form, and pragmatics. This is the sensory area of the brain, since it receives and interprets external information. WERNICKE’S APHASIA Today, “sensory aphasia” is now known as Wernicke’s aphasia or sometimes referred to as fluent aphasia. In Wernicke’s discovery, this aphasia appeared to be articulate language, but the structure and meaning behind words made little sense. In a video example, which can be observed below, a client with Wernicke’s aphasia is asked by a clinician, “What is this?” as she gestures to her mouth. The patient responds with, "the end of a football,” and continues to back up his answer with other properly articulated words. Unlike Broca’s aphasia, the trouble comes from the lack of meaning of what the afflicted individual is expressing. TAkeaway 🎈The Wernicke’s area is also on the left hemisphere of the brain like the Broca’s area, since this hemisphere is language dominant. Unlike Broca’s aphasia, Wernicke’s aphasia deals with an individual’s cognitive processing. Next week
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