In order to fully understand the implications of NLD, it is important to
have a basic understanding of brain structure and development.
Current research indicates that NLD is a neurological impairment, caused by
damage to "white matter" in the brain. White matter is the
brain's circuitry. A simplistic analogy is that white matter is the
highway system that connects the information centers of the brain, allowing
information to be processed. There is far more white matter in the right
hemisphere than in the left, so the disorder is often referred to as a right
hemisphere disability.
The information in this section has been selected for those new to this
topic, and provides a basic overview of the brain.
How the Brain Works
The following full-text articles are presented in sequence, from the most
basic to more comprehensive. However, they all assume little or no prior
knowledge of this topic.
Brain Development
Author - Karen DeBord, PhD
Summary - A introduction to normal
brain
development. Its purpose is for parents new to brain research to gain
a basic understanding of brain structure, and what affects typical brain
development.
Size - 16K, approx. 9 pages
Brain Development in Young Children: The Early
Years Are Learning Years
Author - Dawn Ramsburg
Summary - An easy-to-understand description of
brain development, from conception through early childhood, explaining the
"wiring phase", and introduces the reader to the concept of
"learning windows."
Size - 16K, approx. 7 pages
A Brief Tour of
the Brain
Author - Simon Catterall
Summary - A comprehensive article, covering brain
architecture and associated function, and the central nervous system and
connections.
Size - 33K, approx. 18 pages
Learning How to Use the Brain
Author - Ronald Kotulak
Summary - Explains how the brain learns, and
discusses the concept of brain plasticity, what affects IQ, and the
significant effect of stimulation on the developing brain.
Size - 35K, approx. 20 pages
Brain Links
The following links all provide visual presentations of the workings of the
brain.
The Brain's Inner
Workings
This extraordinary 5-minute video, produced by the National
Institute of Mental Health, is hosted by Leonard Nimoy, and leads viewers
deep into the brain, introducing the physical, chemical, and electrical
events that occur in the normal brain. (This film requires a download
to your computer, but it's worth it!).
The
Cerebral Hemispheres
This site provides visual and descriptive explanations of
the architecture of the brain, including the cerebral hemispheres, cortex,
and lobes.
Explore the
Brain and Spinal Cord
The link to this visual and descriptive site will allow
you to expand your understanding of the divided brain, the functional areas
within the brain, and brain development.
Types of Neurons
This site provides a clear description of types of neurons
(nerve cells), and explains the role of axons, dendrites, and where myelin
is located.
Neurotransmitters
and Neuroactive Peptides
This site depicts for the lay person an explanation of how
communication of information between neurons is accomplished.
The Whole Brain Atlas
For those seeking a more advanced "tour" of the
brain, this is the most comprehensive site on the web.
BrainPOP
This collection of colorful animated films is a fantastic place for kids who are curious about how their
brains and bodies work. The brief video about the brain is
particularly amusing and informative.
If you've made it this far, congratulations! Now it's time to relax
your tired brain and have some fun.
3-D
Brain Puzzle
Need some help visualizing the main parts of the brain?
Try this beautifully-designed puzzle. It's fun, it's easy, and the next time
somebody asks "Where's the lymbic system again?", you can draw
them a diagram! (Note: requires Shockwave. If you don't have it, you
can download the latest version here,
for free.)
Don't
Forget! Playing Games with Memory
Some days it seems like your brain is taking a
holiday. You can't remember anything! Try these four fun
activities to test your memory.
Creativity
Central Stretch-Ercises
The brain is one of the finest computers ever designed. Yet
for the most part we leave it idling as we wander through the stress of our
daily routines. Here are some simple exercises that take you out of the
comfort of your routines, forcing the brain to make new connections which in
turn cause the neurons to flow. Once stretched, you will grow in your capacity
to think and act creatively.
