Neural Plasticity and Cognitive Development Insights from Children with Perinatal Brain Injury

by Stiles, Joan; Reilly, Judy S.; Levine, Susan C.; Trauner, Doris A.; Nass, Ruth

• ISBN13: 9780195389944
• ISBN10: 0195389948
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-05-29
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

The advent of modern neurobiological methods over the last three decades has provided overwhelming evidence that it is theinteractionof genetic factors and the experience of the individual that guides and supports brain development. Brains do not develop normally in the absence of critical genetic signaling,andthey do not develop normally in the absence of essential environmental input. The key to understanding the origins and emergence of both the brain and behavior lies in understanding how inherited and environmental factors are engaged in the dynamic and interactive processes that define and direct development of the neurobehavioral system. Neural Plasticity and Cognitive Developmentfocuses on children who suffered focal brain insult (typically stroke) in the pre- or perinatal period which provides a model for exploring the dynamic nature of early brain and cognitive development. In most, though not all, of the cases considered, the injuries affect substantial portions of one cerebral hemisphere, resulting in patterns of neural damage that would compromise cognitive ability in adults. However, longitudinal behavioral studies of this population of children have revealed only mild cognitive deficits, and preliminary data from functional brain imaging studies suggest that alternative patterns of functional organization emerge in the wake of early injury.Neural Plasticity and Cognitive Developmentposits that the capacity for adaptation is not the result of early insult. Rather, it reflects normal developmental processes which are both dynamic and adaptive operating against a backdrop of serious perturbation of the neural substrate.

Table of Contents

Preface

Neurobiology

Neuroplasticity and the Developing Brain

The Basics of Brain Development

Etiology and Neurological Effects of Perinatal Stroke

Behavioral Studies

Somatosensory and Motor Processes

Visuospatial Processes

Attention, Memory and Executive Functions

Early Communicative Development to First Words

Later Language Development: Syntax and Discourse

Plasticity of Overall Intellectual Functioning: Evidence from Standardized Tests

Clinical and Theoretical Implications

Clinical Implications

Toward and Integrative Model of Neurobehavioral Development

Index

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