The Child's Brain Explained

The child’s brain has two hemispheres (the Left and Right Cortex). The corpus callosum is the structure deep in the brain that connects the right and left hemispheres of the cerebrum, coordinating the functions of the two halves. When the corpus callosum is missing due to agenesis or surgical intervention, the hemispheres operate independently. Current research indicates the makeup of all of the child’s issues can be explained by a combination of unusually strong skills in one hemisphere combined with unusually weak skills in the other hemisphere. Developmental disorders such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, OCD, and Tourettes are a result of a weak right hemisphere, while Dyslexia, LD, processing Disorders and language disorders are a result of a weak left hemisphere.

What makes our treatment different is that we utilize hemispheric treatment to facilitate the development of the weak hemisphere. The brain is very plastic, meaning that it is very changeable. The adaptability of the brain is a property that must be utilized in treatment very specifically. When one hemisphere is weak, the stronger hemisphere will automatically begin to take over responsibilities and the brain will begin to disassociate from the weaker side. This is why we see neglect syndromes with children who have hemispheric imbalances. Because the brain reacts in this manner, if we drive the whole brain, in other words, if we treat both hemispheres together, we run the risk of driving a bigger gap in development between the two hemispheres. However, if we only stimulate, or drive, the weak hemisphere in treatment, we encourage the gap to close!

Click on this link for an article about childhood development disorders.