Neural Correlates in Learning Disabilities

Abstract

In recent years, researchers have done significant advances on the study of learning disabilities in particular in terms of comprehension of cognitive and anatomical mechanisms. The understanding of neural mechanism of learning disabilities is useful for their management and cognitive treatment. The advent of functional neuroimaging methods has also identified anatomical networks and neurological learning systems that have contributed to knowledge of neurobiology of learning deficits. On the other side, neuropsychological assessment, with comprehensive test or specific cognitive tasks, has proved to be useful to analyze specific cognitive deficits to find potential targets of intervention for cognitive compensation. In this chapter the author summarizes major scientific advances in particular in the study of neuroanatomical mechanism based on structural and functional neuroimaging of children with learning disorders, developmental disorders, and language impairment, in particular with dyslexia which is one of the most common learning disabilities