Brain Differences
As an expert in learning differences who is herself actively recovering from a severe stroke, Beth has a keen interest in the brain, its plasticity, its power, and its mysteries. Here she shares her personal notes and definitions for several types of brain difference (neurodiversity).
Dyslexia
Definition
Slow or laborious reading, due to a neurologic glitch in the part of the brain that processes phonological awareness. Dyslexia does not relate to a problem only with the eyes, instead it is a problem with language. Almost always, it affects all aspects of an individual’s life — not just school. It can get better with the right intervention, but never goes away.
Strengths
Creativity, higher-level or interpretive thinking, cognitive advancement, preferring to be around adults or wiser individuals, knowledge of facts, understanding connections between concepts.
Age at diagnosis
Often 7-8 years old but it sometimes diagnosed younger or older, both are bad for different reasons. Also, it can be overdiagnosed or underdiagnosed, sadly, depending on school funding and/or politics.
Warning signs
Different signs at different times. Even though dyslexia should not be diagnosed before age 7 or2nd grade, we can talk about a conglomerate of potential warning signs which may mean the parent may want to get their child tested for dyslexia. These factors include but are not limited to late language development, a history of ear infections, extreme frustration with words and books, different kinds of sensory sensitivity.
The same is true after 2nd grade. For example, a fourth-grader may have all the factors listed above, before 2nd grade and also may show other age-appropriate signs of dyslexia. They may be left-handed, be very creative, have a family history of dyslexia, and struggle with reading. Even with all of these warning signs the family won’t truly know about the presence of dyslexia until a full evaluation (AKA assessment) is done.
Emotional fallout
Depression, frustration, extreme anger, social anxiety, class clown potential, anxiety, false sense of self due to being so misunderstood.
ADHD
Definition
Symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)include difficulty with planning, difficulty with attending to the desired stimulus, remaining focused, not getting distracted, and being disorganized. Sometimes it can also include being hyperactive, but this is not always present
Strengths
Creativity, higher-level or interpretive thinking, cognitive advancement, preferring to be around adults or wiser individuals, knowledge of facts, understanding connections between concepts.
Age at diagnosis
Usually it is present in utero, but can be diagnosed at any time.
Warning signs
Difficulty focusing across more than one context, difficulty finishing sentences, always feeling like there is a motor running inside, poor time management, poor organization, problems with procrastinating.
Emotional fallout
Depression, frustration, extreme anger, social anxiety, class clown potential, anxiety, false sense of self due to being so misunderstood.
Stroke
Definition
Stroke is like a heart attack in the brain. Oxygen-rich blood doesn’t make it to the brain because of either a blockage or a burst in the artery. When oxygen doesn’t get to brain cells, they can die or be severely damaged. A stroke is considered a medical emergency. There can be different kinds and degrees and locations of stroke in the brain.
The most common stroke is called ischemic and is a blockage of blood flow. The other main kind is called hemorrhagic and happens when an artery bursts and loose blood destroys brain cells. Often one will find stroke in the cerebrum but it can happen anywhere in the brain.
Strengths
Recognition of silver linings, perspective, slowing down, truer to one’s real essence, overcompensation of the working parts of the brain, which can look very different but can also be wonderful strengths, understanding, and living mindfully ( being in the moment)
Age at diagnosis
Usually older (75-85) but younger people (40-55) also have strokes.
Warning signs
Difficulty with language. Confusion, bad headache, dizziness, vomiting, difficulty seeing, difficulty walking, numbness or paralysis of arms, legs, or face, drooping side of face.
Emotional fallout
Depression, anxiety, feeling misunderstood, mood swings, impulsivity, feeling overwhelmed by having to reinvent oneself, feeling the need to pretend one is better than they actually are, anger.