Aditi Shankardass: A second opinion on learning disorders
A Journey into Neuroscience: Diagnosing Developmental Disorders
Early Inspiration and Career Path
- At age 10, the speaker's cousin introduced him to a medical school pathology lab, where he held a human brain, igniting his passion for neuroscience.
- Years later, while pursuing a Ph.D. on dyslexia in children, the speaker discovered alarming statistics about developmental disorders.
Understanding Developmental Disorders
- It is estimated that one in six children suffers from some form of developmental disorder, leading to permanent mental impairments.
- Most disorders are diagnosed based solely on observable behavior rather than direct examination of the brain.
The Need for Accurate Diagnosis
- Diagnosing brain disorders without examining the brain is likened to treating heart problems without diagnostic imaging; it can lead to incomplete or misleading conclusions.
- Despite advancements in medical technology, diagnosing brain disorders remains limited; however, a team at Harvard has developed innovative EEG technology for real-time monitoring of brain activity.
Breakthrough Technology in Diagnosis
- The EEG technology records electrical activity in the brain and identifies abnormalities related to functions like vision and language.
- Programs such as Brain Electrical Activity Mapping and Statistical Probability Mapping enhance diagnosis accuracy by triangulating sources of abnormalities.
Case Study: Justin Senigar
- Seven-year-old Justin was misdiagnosed with severe autism but actually suffered from undetected brain seizures causing similar symptoms.
- After receiving anti-seizure medication, Justin's vocabulary expanded dramatically within 60 days, showcasing significant improvements in communication and social interaction.
Implications for Future Treatment
- Research indicates that nearly 50% of children diagnosed with autism may have hidden seizures; accurate EEG scans reveal specific issues often missed by behavioral assessments.