Aditi Shankardass: A second opinion on developmental disorders

The speaker shares their journey to becoming a brain scientist, inspired by an early experience with a human brain. They highlight the prevalence of developmental disorders in children and the limitations of behavior-based diagnoses. The speaker introduces advanced EEG technology that allows for real-time brain activity mapping, leading to more accurate diagnoses. A case study of a child misdiagnosed with autism illustrates the technology's impact. The speaker emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment, advocating for the use of EEG technology to unlock the potential of children with developmental disorders.

What inspired the speaker to pursue a career in neuroscience?

• A visit to a medical school

• A book about the brain

• A family member's illness

• A documentary on neuroscience

What is the main limitation of diagnosing brain disorders based on behavior alone?

• It is time-consuming

• It requires invasive procedures

• It can miss vital brain abnormalities

• It is too expensive

What technology does the Harvard team use to diagnose brain disorders?

• MRI scans

• Ultrasound

• CT scans

• EEG technology

What was the initial diagnosis for Justin before using EEG technology?

• Mental retardation

• Language impairment

• Severe autism

• Attention deficit disorder

What was the actual cause of Justin's symptoms?

• Environmental factors

• Genetic disorder

• Brain seizures

• Nutritional deficiency

How did Justin's condition change after receiving the correct treatment?

• He remained the same

• He developed new symptoms

• His vocabulary and social skills improved

• He required surgery

What is the speaker's main message in the conclusion?

• To encourage the use of EEG technology for accurate diagnosis

• To promote invasive brain surgeries

• To focus on behavioral assessments

• To avoid medical interventions