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.