Dr. Glena Andrews is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been studying the behavioral effects of ACC at the Northwest Nazaren University in Nampa, Idaho where she is a professor of Psychology and the Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Cultural Studies at the University.
In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Andrews provides treatment for persons with traumatic and acquired brain trauma. She has multiple publications and presentations in the areas of neuropsychology, PTSD, and rehabilitation, and she has presented her research findings at past NODCC Conferences.
In the following article, Dr. Andrews describes her research and some of the recent findings related to behavior of children with agenesis of the corpus callosum.
The Effects of Dysgensis of the Corpus Callosum on Development: Birth through Teens
Glena L. Andrews, Ph.D.
Northwest Nazarene University, Nampa, Idaho
Two important periods in development, birth to 5 years and puberty, are the focus of current research project at our Idaho lab. We are continuing to evaluate behavioral characteristics comparing children and teens with agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) and partial agenesis (pACC) with the behaviors of children with other brain anomalies such as prenatal exposure to alcohol and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
We began our study on the development of infants and toddlers approximately 3 years ago in order to better understand if developmental delays exist prior to age 5 years. Using a sample of 134 children, with either ACC or pACC, we found results consistent with anecdotal information gathered over the years from parents. Primarily, children under the age of 5 years do not always demonstrate obvious delays in major developmental milestones.
Furthermore social, emotional, and cognitive behavior problems are not evident prior to age 5 years (unless the child was born with additional cognitive problems not related to ACC). We found no differences in the behavior ratings of children with complete ACC and pACC except on the Pervasive Development Problems (PDP) scale in which children with ACC were rated in the borderline range. Upon closer inspection, it appears that moderate speech problems in young children (1 � to 5 years) tend to elevate the PDP scale on the behavior checklist.
We focused on gathering objective data with younger infants over the past 3 years using the Bayley Developmental Scales. In our preliminary findings we discovered that both receptive and expressive language skills are delayed in children with ACC when compared with unaffected children.
It seems possible that a lack of difficulty in social interactions might be due to the simplicity of a young child's social environment. It is possible that young children with dysgenesis of the corpus callosum progress along normal developmental levels until the child reaches elementary school years. This may be true for the developmental trajectory with other behaviors as well, including impulse control and emotional reactivity.
Since problematic behaviors in social and emotional areas are not consistently apparent until elementary school years or later, it is understandable that parents would feel confusion and distress upon finding that their child is struggling with multiple behavioral, cognitive and emotional challenges upon entering elementary school. Without behavioral markers within the first few years of life, parents, and professional are less prepared for the difficulties the children will experience in school years.
Our newest focus is on executive functions during ages 13-21 years. We began gathering test data this summer and welcome volunteers. Some of the data for our projects can be gathered using checklists and rating scales that can be mailed to care providers. Please contact us, using the information below, if you are interested in participating.
Glena Andrews, Ph.D.
Behavioral Sciences and Cultural Studies
Northwest Nazarene University
623 S. University Blvd
Nampa, ID 83686
[email protected](208) 467-8459
CALL FOR RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS
A research study at The University of Texas at Tyler is seeking educators (teachers, therapists, specialists) and/or parents/caregivers of children diagnosed with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC) who are at least 18 years of age. The purpose of this research study is an attempt to obtain data on individuals who have been diagnosed with ACC in order to recognize academic and social interventions that are currently working for these children within the classroom setting. Your participation in this research will provide additional information to parents and to individuals who work with children in educational settings.
For more information, please contact Dr. Julie Delello at [email protected]
If you are an educator and would like to participate http://uttyler.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ehAhBe7760ga6Wg
If you are a parent and would like to participate
http://uttyler.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bxqZoaid7g0t3uI
Project Closing Date: March 2, 2012
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