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Psychology 304: Brain and Behaviour

Lecture 24

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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)

3. Down syndrome (trisomy 21)

Occurs when an extra copy of chromosome 21 is produced, resulting in 3 copies of the chromosome rather than two. Caused by errors in cell division.

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Associated with abnormal brain development: Abnormal dendrites, simpler and smaller gyri and sulci, smaller frontal lobes, lighter brain. After age 30, brain degeneration typically occurs.

Accompanied by mental retardation, abnormalities in internal organs, and altered facial and body

features.

6Down Syndrome: Physical Characteristics

7Down Syndrome: Physical Characteristics

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Down Syndrome: Controversial Craniofacial Surgery

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4. Fetal alcohol syndrome

Occurs when the fetus is exposed to alcohol, resulting in nervous system damage. Caused by neurotoxin exposure and nutrient deficiencies.

Associated with abnormal brain development: smaller frontal lobes, poor production of cell-adhesion molecules, reduced gray matter, neural plasticity and head size, absence of corpus callosum.

Accompanied by mental retardation, altered facial features, stunted growth, and cognitive/behavioural deficits.

10Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Brain Damage

11Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Physical Characteristics

12Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Physical Characteristics

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Neurodevelopmental Disorders

1. What neurodevelopmental disorders have been identified? (continued)