Lab Assignment - The Brain

Yesterday, we began discussing the brain and the way it works to help you learn.  Today, you will be looking at problems that can stop the brain from functioning properly.  You may use the links to help you find the answers to the questions on your worksheet.  Remember:  put the answers into your own words!  Good luck!  (70 marks)

Autism (27 marks)        

Answers to the following questions can be found by clicking on the link below. 

• Autism Treatment Services of Canada

1.    What is autism? (2)

2.    How common is it? (1)

3.    Which gender is most commonly affected? (1)

4.    How do doctors diagnose this disorder? (1)

5.    List the symptoms displayed by autistic individuals. (3)

6.    List 5 of the characteristics that may be present in autistic individuals. (5)

*Note:    If you scroll to the bottom of the "What is autism" link, you will find a section called "More detailed information". Click on it to find the answers to the next series of questions.

7.    What are "refrigerator" parents? (1)

8.    What is the cause of autism? (2)

9.    Is there a cure for autism? (1)

10.    Do drug treatments help autistic individuals? (2)

11.    Describe the most successfully used treatment for autism. (2)

Next, read the section called "Misconceptions".

12.    Name two misconceptions associated with autism.  (2)

13.    What is the truth about both of these misconceptions? (2 x 2 = 4)

• LD online

1.    What is a learning disability? (2)

• The Association of Canadian Psychologists with Ontario School Boards

1.    What does this short form stand for? (1)

2.    What is this disorder? (2)

3.    How many are affected by it and who is most often affected? (2)

4.    Why is diagnosis of ADHD sometimes difficult? (see Cautions) (2)

5.    List some of the behaviours associated with ADHD. (10)

6.    How would you find out if your child has this disorder? (2)

7.    Describe some possible treatments for the disorder. (3)

8.    Look at "Facts and Figures". 

a)  List some possible causes for this disorder. (4)

b)  If children are not treated for this disorder, what may happen? (5)

c)  What is Ritalin? (1)

d)  What are its side effects? (4)

e)  What effect does this disorder have on families? (5)